If passed, SB 1065 would prohibit “gun-free zones” on taxpayer-funded property, stopping both government entities and private organizations from banning licensed handgun carriers on publicly owned land—whether at the State Fair of Texas, the Houston Rodeo, or elsewhere.
Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights (TXGR), testified in strong support of the bill on the Senate floor on April 10, emphasizing that SB 1065 is about restoring the original intent of current Texas law.
“SB 1065 is a commonsense bill that restores the original intent of current law: law-abiding citizens should not be stripped of their firearms and right to self-defense on taxpayer-funded property,” McNutt testified.
Why SB 1065 Is Needed
The ban was enacted after a 2023 shooting incident where a criminal, who was illegally carrying a firearm, bypassed security through a hole in the fence—a hole that remained unrepaired even when the new gun ban was implemented the following year.
McNutt’s testimony highlighted that forcing lawful gun owners to disarm or leave firearms in vehicles—the number one source of stolen firearms in America—only makes the public less safe.
A Legislative Solution While the Courts Battle On
Paxton’s lawsuit echoed many of the same arguments TXGR outlined in its brief, including:
- The public ownership of Fair Park.
- The City of Dallas’ direct involvement in managing the fair.
- The lack of legal authority for city officials or private event organizers to enforce such bans.
But SB 1065 goes a step further, closing the loopholes exploited by municipalities and private entities to sidestep state law.
Paxton’s Lawsuits Against Dallas Highlight the Need for SB 1065
Both venues are city-owned properties where licensed handgun carriers were denied entry. These cases illustrate a pattern of local governments violating Texans’ rights by collaborating with private operators to enforce illegal gun bans.
If passed, SB 1065 would prevent such bans statewide, ensuring that public property remains accessible to law-abiding gun owners.
Gun Rights Advocates Lead the Charge
The placement of SB 1065 on the Intent Calendar means a vote could come any day now.
