Proposed Texas bill would make it illegal to display guns at public demonstrations
AUSTIN, Texas — A new bill proposed in the Texas Legislature would make the display of a firearm at a public demonstration illegal.
Texas Sen. Sarah Eckhardt made the proposal in Senate Bill 311.
That bill would make it illegal to display "a firearm while attending or within 500 feet of a public demonstration."
S.B. 311 describes a "public demonstration" as follows:
One or more persons in a public place who are demonstrating, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding a vigil, or engaging in any other similar conduct that involves the communication or expression of views or grievances and that has the effect, intent, or propensity to attract a crowd or onlookers.
The firearm restriction is in addition to an existing law that makes it illegal to use profane language, to use offensive gestures, use chemical or noxious odors, to make threats, among other things.
RELATED: Demonstrators at the Texas Capitol say they don't want to be associated with insurrection
This comes after armed protestors gathered outside the Texas State Capitol over the weekend. The FBI issued a bulletin last week that armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols, plus the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., through Inauguration Day.
