Do Tenants Have Gun Rights?

A law that got little fanfare passed in Texas in 2019, giving a major victory to gun owners who lease homes as tenants.

We thought it was worth reviewing due to its impact on many Texans.

The measure, House Bill 302, was sponsored by Rep. Dennis Paul and Sen. Bryan Hughes and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. It protects tenants’ rights to possess lawfully owned firearms and ammunition in dwelling units and on manufactured home lots. The bill also protects tenants’ rights to transport their firearms between their personal vehicles and those locations.

“The Supreme Court was clear in 2008 when it ruled the Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to have firearms in their homes for self-defense,” said Tara Mica, Texas state director, NRA-ILA. “House Bill 302 is an important piece of legislation that ensures Texans’ fundamental rights are protected no matter where they live.”

House Bill 302 is a unique law among America’s 50 states. It was filed in response to tenants who alerted NRA-ILA and the Texas State Rifle Association about a growing number of lease provisions restricting firearm possession.

The law took effect on Sept. 1, 2019.

Source: NRA-ILA

“The Supreme Court was clear in 2008 when it ruled the Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to have firearms in their homes for self-defense,” said Tara Mica, Texas state director, NRA-ILA. “House Bill 302 is an important piece of legislation that ensures Texans’ fundamental rights are protected no matter where they live.”

House Bill 302 is a unique law among America’s 50 states. It was filed in response to tenants who alerted NRA-ILA and the Texas State Rifle Association about a growing number of lease provisions restricting firearm possession.

The law took effect on Sept. 1, 2019.