HB 1904 / SB 2180

Present law provides that an individual, corporation, business entity, or local, state, or federal government entity or agent is authorized to prohibit or restrict the possession of weapons by any person on property owned or under the control of the individual, corporation, business entity, or local, state, or federal government entity. This prohibition applies to any person who has an enhanced or concealed carry permit.

This bill provides that the prohibition in the above provision does not apply to a person who has an enhanced or concealed carry permit if the person is carrying the firearm in a concealed manner. A person who has an enhanced or concealed carry permit and who carries a concealed firearm at a meeting conducted by, or on property owned, operated, or managed or under the control of the individual, corporation, business entity, or government entity that is properly posted must remove the firearm from the premises upon the request of the individual, corporation, business entity, or government entity. A permit holder who refuses to remove the firearm from the premises upon request of the individual, corporation, business entity, or government entity does not commit a violation of present law but may be charged with the offense of criminal trespass.

This bill takes a needed step in minimizing the effects of gun-free zones. Certainly, we advocate for the elimination of gun-free zones. While this bill does not accomplish that task, it is a step in the right direction.