Title
Consider adopting an Ordinance No. 3272 amending in its entirety Chapter 46 of the Code of Ordinances, Miscellaneous Offenses," Section 46-1 "Firearms and Facsimile Firearms Regulated; Defenses" relating to the prohibition of the discharge of firearms or air guns within the City except at sport shooting ranges, prohibiting the carrying of firearms in public parks, at public meetings, of government bodies, political rallies, parades, official political meetings, and non-firearm-related school, college and professional athletic events with exception; and prohibiting display or brandishing of facsimile firearms within the city under certain circumstances; establishing certain defenses to such offenses; and take appropriate action.
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BACKGROUND:
In order to eliminate any conflict between state law and the Farmers Branch Code of Ordinances City Administration is proposing amending our ordinance related to firearms. This proposed ordinance would bring our city ordinances into compliance with State Law as well add additional restrictions as to where a person may legally carry a firearm in our city.
The amendment to Chapter 46 removes actual firearms from the section of the ordinance dealing with facsimile firearms as well as prohibits the carrying of a firearm in our parks, government meetings, political rallies, schools and professional athletic events for everyone except a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Texas Government Code.
The amendment to the ordinance also allows for a defense if a firearm was discharged at a sport shooting range. All of the changes to this ordinance are consistent with the Local Government Code which allows cities to regulate the discharge and carrying of firearms in very specific circumstances.
RECOMMENDATION:
City Administration recommends adopting Ordinance No. 3272 amending the Code of Ordinances relating to the prohibition of the discharge of firearms or air guns...
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