BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 853

By: Gervin-Hawkins

Community Safety, Select

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been numerous incidences across the nation, including in Texas, where due to improper storage and safety practices, a firearm has caused harm to individuals. H.B. 853 seeks to increase awareness of firearm safety and encourage safe firearm ownership by designating the month of August as Firearm Safety Awareness Month. The goal of this legislation is to bring community residents and leaders together to discuss the safe and responsible ownership, storage, and use of firearms for recreational and defensive purposes and to promote voluntary and collaborative methods that improve public safety.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 853 amends the Government Code to designate August as Firearm Safety Awareness Month for the following purposes:

·         increasing awareness of firearm safety;

·         encouraging community residents and leaders to discuss the safe and responsible ownership, storage, and use of firearms for recreational and defensive purposes; and

·         promoting voluntary and collaborative methods that improve public safety.

The bill authorizes the following:

·         the regular observation of the month through appropriate activities and programs in communities to increase awareness of and instruction on the responsible use of firearms; and

·         a firearms accident prevention program to include animated videos, activity books, and other instructional materials for community residents of all ages.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.