So I thought I knew the answer to this question until today, when I re-took the Texas CHL class. The instructor stated that it is a felony to carry a concealed handgun at work when the employer has prohibited it in either the company manual or by posting any kind of no guns sign at the entrances. He further stated that the signs to do not have to be the typical 30.06 signs either, as those would apply to visitors.
I would have dismissed his claims if it had not been a question on the exam. The question on the exam was true/false question that stated that any employer has the right to deny entry to the premises by a CHL holder by means of writing it into the company manual and/or posting signs. It further stated that the signs did not have be the 30.06 signs. The correct answer to the question was true. This exam said Texas Department of Public Safety on the first page and appeared to be a mandated exam.
I have never heard this before, and I can find nowhere in the penal code where this is a crime. The instructor cited 30.05 (criminal trespass), but I don't see it and it certainly is not a felony. The thing that strikes me about the test question is that it says the employer has the right, but it does not say it is a crime. In other words, an employer is free to fire you for non-compliance, but this doesn't mean it is a crime.
It was always my understanding the written notice had to follow the 30.06 verbage exactly and that a simple no guns statement in the employee handbook was not effective written notice. As such, you could be fired but not prosecuted. Can anyone confirm or deny this? If this is in fact a crime, can you please point out the relevant legal citations?
I have also searched some of the old threads, and most of what I am finding confirms my original opinon on the issue. However, if an employer goes over the policy with you verbally then it is a different matter.
I would have dismissed his claims if it had not been a question on the exam. The question on the exam was true/false question that stated that any employer has the right to deny entry to the premises by a CHL holder by means of writing it into the company manual and/or posting signs. It further stated that the signs did not have be the 30.06 signs. The correct answer to the question was true. This exam said Texas Department of Public Safety on the first page and appeared to be a mandated exam.
I have never heard this before, and I can find nowhere in the penal code where this is a crime. The instructor cited 30.05 (criminal trespass), but I don't see it and it certainly is not a felony. The thing that strikes me about the test question is that it says the employer has the right, but it does not say it is a crime. In other words, an employer is free to fire you for non-compliance, but this doesn't mean it is a crime.
It was always my understanding the written notice had to follow the 30.06 verbage exactly and that a simple no guns statement in the employee handbook was not effective written notice. As such, you could be fired but not prosecuted. Can anyone confirm or deny this? If this is in fact a crime, can you please point out the relevant legal citations?
I have also searched some of the old threads, and most of what I am finding confirms my original opinon on the issue. However, if an employer goes over the policy with you verbally then it is a different matter.
Last edited: