Commissioners approved an order that tightens firearms restrictions in platted subdivisions located within unincorporated areas of the county.
The discharge of firearms in subdivisions on lots that are
10 acres or smaller is now prohibited — the maximum allowed by state law. Willfully discharging a firearm under these parameters is a Class C misdemeanor. If the person has been previously convicted of the offense, it is a Class B misdemeanor.
Exceptions to the order include:
- The person is a peace officer on duty acting in an official capacity.
- Acting in self defense.
- Acting in defense of a third party.
- Acting in defense of property.
The order provides for a waiver to allow the discharge of a firearm by a federally licensed firearm dealer or a business establishment that operates an area for the discharge or other use of firearms for silhouette, skeet, trap, black powder, target, self-defense, or similar recreational shooting, if the operations were in existence prior to the original effective date.
Requests for waivers must be submitted in writing to Commissioners Court.
No waiver will be granted unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that operation of the business activity will not impair public safety or otherwise constitute a danger to persons or property.