TexasCHLforum.com

I had no idea that the library even published a ban against concealed handguns. I found a PDF file at this site:

http://www.nbtexas.org/Search.asp?Searc ... Action.y=0

I was doing a search for "concealed" on the City Web site, and found the file "Policy 2.14 Conduct". The text in question is:

New Braunfels Public Library - Policy 2.14 Conduct
While on library property, no person shall:
â– Possess or display weapons, including concealed handguns.

I'm sure that the library is city-owned, so it can't legally prohibit CHL carry. (unless they snuck a school or courtroom in while I wasn't looking) I guess I should mosey over there sometime to see if they have a 30.06 or "Gun-Busters" sign.

If they are operated by the city, then they can't even put signs up, much less bar you from entering while carrying under your CHL. The only thing I could see as gray area is if the library technically is city owned, but on university grounds.

Just looked at it a little closer, and it seems the document is from 2003, before the newer laws were enacted. Looks like they just haven't updated their paperwork, so it's probably ok to walk in with your CHL.

There is a sticky regarding this kind of thing (cities posting 30.06) in this section which I have posted a link and description of your thread to.

Since cities cannot preempt state firearms law, this ordinance is not legal. An open records request as to why the city thought it worthwhile to enact an ordinance that they do not have the authority to make might get some motion started on getting it removed. You might contact Chas (as he's a good TSRA contact) about getting some guidance and help on making this happen.

agbullet2k1 wrote:If they are operated by the city, then they can't even put signs up, much less bar you from entering while carrying under your CHL. The only thing I could see as gray area is if the library technically is city owned, but on university grounds.

Of course they can put 30.06 signs. Doing so is legal even if the signs are meaningless. As long as there are no penalties for them to do so. They will continue to post such signs,

The part quoted in the OP says nothing about licensed possession of concealed handguns. I would expect most public libraries have "no weapons" rules, but I would not assume this to include concealed handguns by a CHL holder. I don't think this is even worth bringing up with them unless they post a 30.06 or specifically mention carry by a license holder. Think of it as a gun busters sign. And by banning unlicensed concealed carry they are not preempting state law, merely restating it since unlicensed concealed carry of a handgun in a public place is unlawful.

txmatt wrote:The part quoted in the OP says nothing about licensed possession of concealed handguns. I would expect most public libraries have "no weapons" rules, but I would not assume this to include concealed handguns by a CHL holder. I don't think this is even worth bringing up with them unless they post a 30.06 or specifically mention carry by a license holder.

Believe me, I am not going to say a word about it to them. Why open up that can of worms?

Oh, I am sure the "concealed handguns" part of the rule was put in specifically to apply to CHL holders, but as others have noted, this is now legally meaningless. Universal City public library has the same rule (at least the last time I was there, months ago) and I cheerfully ignored it.

Why not say something to them? Texas Law prohibits them from trying to exclude CHL. Make them obey the law! No matter how many feathers you might ruffle there, they can not legally prevent you from entering while carrying under the CHL law. Ain't it grand when the law is on your side like this!

bdickens wrote:Why not say something to them? Texas Law prohibits them from trying to exclude CHL. Make them obey the law! No matter how many feathers you might ruffle there, they can not legally prevent you from entering while carrying under the CHL law. Ain't it grand when the law is on your side like this!

There is something to be said for choosing one's battles.

So just to be clear, a CHL can LEGALLY carry in a public city library i.e. Arlington Public Library?

Russell wrote:Yes

Dangit, I wish I had known about this earlier today.

Thanks Russell.

pedalman wrote:

bdickens wrote:Why not say something to them? Texas Law prohibits them from trying to exclude CHL. Make them obey the law! No matter how many feathers you might ruffle there, they can not legally prevent you from entering while carrying under the CHL law. Ain't it grand when the law is on your side like this!

There is something to be said for choosing one's battles.

That's exactly the battle I would choose. Being assured of victory, I'd be a fool not to.