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Bill

SB 2293

Relating to the carrying of certain weapons on the premises of a public library; creating a criminal offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Borris Miles

SB 2293 criminalizes carrying specified weapons inside Texas public library buildings, potentially conflicting with the state's permitless carry law.

Referred to State Affairs
#crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #libraries&librarians(i0523) #weapons(i0887)
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Bill Summary · SB 2293

Legislative bill overview

SB 2293 proposes to prohibit the carrying of certain weapons on public library premises in Texas and establishes criminal penalties for violations. The bill creates a new offense specifically targeting weapon possession in library spaces, which are typically designated as gun-free zones under existing Texas law in some contexts.

Why is this important

Public libraries serve diverse communities including children, and weapon restrictions affect debates over constitutional rights versus public safety in shared spaces. This legislation directly intersects with Texas's permitless carry laws and Second Amendment protections, making it a significant policy decision about where firearms regulations can apply.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional conflict: Texas's 2021 constitutional carry law permits unlicensed firearm carrying in most public spaces; this bill may face legal challenges regarding whether libraries can be carved out as exceptions
  • Definition ambiguity: The phrase "certain weapons" requires clarification—whether it includes all firearms, only concealed weapons, or specific weapon types will substantially affect impact and enforcement
  • Enforcement practicality: Public libraries lack security screening infrastructure (unlike courthouses), raising questions about how violations would be detected and enforced without creating access barriers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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