Labor & Employment Blog

The Firearm Carry Act of 2021 went into effect on September 1, 2021, which allows individuals over the age of 21 to carry handguns without a permit, in most locations.

What does this mean for private businesses? Private businesses still have the option to prohibit individuals from carrying firearms on their premises. However, in order to do so, a business must post appropriate, visible notices prohibiting firearms on the property.

Private businesses wishing to prohibit all firearms from their premises should post notices at each entrance to their property. The notices should:

1.  Include the following language: 

      a. “Pursuant to Section 30.05, Penal Code (criminal trespass), a person may not enter this property with a firearm;”

       b. “Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by a license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun;”

       c.  “Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly;”

2.   Include the above language in both English and Spanish;

3.   Be in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch high; and

4.   Be displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public.

In addition to posting these notices, employers should assess their handbooks and weapons policies in light of the new law. Chamberlain Hrdlicka stands ready to assist with the same.