Sec. 552.002. CARRYING OF HANDGUN BY LICENSE HOLDER IN STATE HOSPITAL. (a) In this section:

(1) "License holder" has the meaning assigned by Section 46.035(f), Penal Code.

(2) "State hospital" means the following facilities:

(A) the Austin State Hospital;

(B) the Big Spring State Hospital;

(C) the El Paso Psychiatric Center;

(D) the Kerrville State Hospital;

(E) the North Texas State Hospital;

(F) the Rio Grande State Center;

(G) the Rusk State Hospital;

(H) the San Antonio State Hospital;

(I) the Terrell State Hospital; and

(J) the Waco Center for Youth.

(3) "Written notice" means a sign that is posted on property and that:

(A) includes in both English and Spanish written language identical to the following: "Pursuant to Section 552.002, Health and Safety Code (carrying of handgun by license holder in state hospital), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun";

(B) appears in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height; and

(C) is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public at each entrance to the property.

(b) A state hospital may prohibit a license holder from carrying a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, on the property of the hospital by providing written notice.

(c) A license holder who carries a handgun under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, on the property of a state hospital at which written notice is provided is liable for a civil penalty in the amount of:

(1) $100 for the first violation; or

(2) $500 for the second or subsequent violation.

(d) The attorney general or an appropriate prosecuting attorney may sue to collect a civil penalty under this section.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1143 (H.B. 435), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2017.