Texas Law Would Allow Employee Guns in Cars

Texas lawmakers advanced a bill Tuesday that would prohibit employers from banning guns in their employees’ vehicles parked at work, the Austin American-Statesman reported Wednesday.

The measure was supported by the Texas Rifle Association but opposed by the Texas Association of Business. Both groups generally support Republican-led initiatives, but were at odds over this one.

State Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt, a Lexington Republican who sponsored the bill, said that in Texas, where many people hunt, residents see vehicles as an extension of their homes. They should have the right to keep firearms locked in their vehicles without fear of being fired or disciplined, he said.

"It's an attempt to balance rights between employers and employees," he said on the House floor the newspaper reported.

The businesses group said it should be up to business owners to allow weapons in employees' cars while on company property. "We think it should be the prerogative of the property owner," said Bill Hammond, president of the business association.

The rifle association said companies shouldn’t be allowed to violate employees’ Second Amendment rights.

The Senate passed a similar version, but the House made changes to the bill. So it now goes back to the Senate to be reconciled.