Posted on 06/14/2013 9:38:42 AM PDT by EXCH54FE
If signed into law, a Texas bill would require that hotels that restrict the possession, storage or transporting of firearms to inform guests of such policies prior to checking in, reports the Houston Business Journal.
State Rep. Ryan Guillen, as well as other supporters of House Bill 333, point out that the bill will help to avoid any confusion for concealed carry permit holders. The bill would require hotels to clearly state their firearms policy both on their website and to future guests when confirming reservations.
Failure for hotels to comply with the proposed law would result in a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $100 fine.
HB 333 passed through both the House and the Senate last month and was sent to Texas Gov. Rick Perry to be signed. So far a total of 15 pro-gun bills have passed during this session, which apparently is a record number according to the Texas GOP.
Perry has until June 16 to veto the bill if he wishes, which is unlikely. The governor has vetoed only two bills this legislative session, the fewest since he has been in office. In addition, not a single piece of gun control legislation has passed in Texas during this session, which has included proposed restrictions for private firearm sales at gun shows, magazine bans and requiring drug testing for concealed handgun license applicants.
As one business owner in Arkansas, recently pointed out, “You either allow it or you don’t.” By making your firearms policy clear to potential customers, it not only encourages safe practices, but it helps customers to make better decisions on where to vote with their pocketbooks. And in the mostly gun-friendly Lone Star State, a hotel which publically announces that they do not allow firearms, will likely end up losing business, which could – or could not – be part of the motivation behind the proposed legislation.
Of course, if you are unsure about gun policies, you could always do what one man did while traveling to New York and go for the option – albeit, a bad one – of storing your firearm in the couch cushion of the hotel lobby.
Some years ago, I had a concealed carry pistol taken from my New Orleans hotel because the maid saw it and called security. I insisted they let me have it to defend myself on the streets (I had a carry permit) and never checked it back in as they made me promise to do.
Lesson: hide it.
If the hotel didn't comply with those terms, the notice was not binding. Some places are apparently happy with that, or oblivious.
After this law is passed, I expect that the lawyers will get involved in the decision, and we'll see the notices where they were never seen before.
Outstanding, just got to love TX.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.