Penal Code §46.15: Carrying a Handgun During a State of Disaster

Texas Penal Code §46.15(k) and (l) relate to carrying a handgun during a state of disaster.

• Section 46.15(k): This section states that Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who carries a handgun:
  • While being required to evacuate from a disaster area or returning to the area after being evacuated and...
  • If no more than 168 hours have passed since the state of disaster was declared and...
  • If the person is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm.
• Section 46.15(l): This section provides that certain places where the carrying of a handgun is usually prohibited does not apply if:
  • The premises is operating as an emergency shelter during a state of disaster and...
  • The owner, controller, operator, or person of apparent authority authorized the carrying of a handgun in the shelter and...
  • The person carrying the handgun complies with the rules and regulations of the owner, controller, or operator of the premises and...
  • The person is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm.