In a powerful move to protect the Second Amendment rights of Texans, State Representative Briscoe Cain has introduced House Bill 1715, a piece of legislation designed to stop governmental entities from restricting the rights of handgun license holders on publicly owned or leased property. This bill is a direct response to the State Fair of Texas’ controversial decision to ban firearms on its grounds, even for those who possess a concealed carry license.
For too long, Texans who have legally obtained their concealed carry licenses have been left vulnerable to unjust restrictions on their Second Amendment rights. The new bill ensures that any contract for the use of property owned or leased by a governmental entity must include provisions to prohibit contractors from restricting licensed handgun carriers from exercising their right to carry firearms on the property—unless specifically prohibited by another law. This move ensures that taxpayers will not be forced to disarm while on public property and is a crucial step toward further protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
The push for this bill follows a contentious legal battle surrounding the State Fair of Texas, where the City of Dallas maintained a ban on firearms in Fair Park, the venue that hosts the event. Despite a legal challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Texas Supreme Court sided with the City of Dallas, allowing the ban to remain in place. In response, Representative Cain has introduced House Bill 1715, which would apply to any contracts entered into, renewed, modified, or extended on or after September 1, 2025.
Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt praised Cain’s initiative, calling it a critical move in safeguarding the Second Amendment. “H.B. 1715 is a critical step in ensuring that Texans cannot be disarmed on taxpayer-owned property. We warned the State Fair and other bad actors that if they proceeded with their anti-gun policies, we would address it in Austin. Now, we’re making good on our promise,” said McNutt. He also expressed gratitude toward Cain for his steadfast dedication to gun rights and for taking the necessary action to uphold the constitutional freedoms of every Texan.
The new legislation serves as a strong reminder that Texas is committed to being a sanctuary for gun owners. Law-abiding Texans have the right to defend themselves, and this bill ensures that public property, which is owned by the taxpayers, cannot arbitrarily disarm them. By introducing House Bill 1715, Cain is continuing to stand up for the rights of responsible gun owners and sending a clear message to those who would seek to undermine the Second Amendment.
Texas Gun Rights will continue to support this measure and push for further action to ensure that the Second Amendment remains protected at every level of government. The fight for our rights is far from over, but with leaders like Representative Cain championing gun rights, we are closer to ensuring that no Texan is denied their God-given right to keep and bear arms.
