Concealed Carry Permit

For most Texans, concealed carry is only permitted if the carrier has a concealed handgun license. Applicants must be at least 21 years old or on active military duty, but many disqualifying conditions can make an applicant ineligible for a concealed carry license. Situations that make an applicant ineligible include a felony conviction, pending criminal charges, chemical or alcohol dependency, some psychological disorders and being behind on tax or child support payments. Eligible applicants must complete a training course taught by a certified instructor before applying for a first-time permit, and shorter courses are required for renewal licenses.

Workplace

Texas employees who have valid concealed handgun licenses can carry weapons into unmarked workplaces unless a company policy states otherwise. Thus, if employers wish to keep licensees from carrying weapons on their premises, whether the carriers are employees or customers, they must properly mark the workplace by placing a sign as required by Texas law. Otherwise, licensees can legally carry weapons on the premises. However, there are no federal or Texas laws that would prevent an employer from prohibiting an employee from carrying a concealed weapon in the workplace. Thus, employers can establish a company policy prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons at work even if the workplace is not appropriately marked. While this keeps employees from carrying weapons at work, it does not impact customers or other individuals on the employer's premises.

Parking Lots

A Texas law passed in 2011 allows concealed carry licensees and others in lawful possession of a weapon to leave their firearms and ammunition inside their personal, locked vehicle when that vehicle is parked on their employer's property. For example, an employee planning to go hunting after work could leave his rifle and ammunition locked inside his vehicle while the vehicle is parked in his workplace parking lot. However, the law does not require employers to allow employees to lock their firearms inside company vehicles.

Penalties

The penalties a person may face for carrying his weapon inappropriately depends on the type of restrictions in his workplace. For example, if the carrier has a valid concealed carry license and the premises are not appropriately marked with a sign as required by Texas law, the carrier could still be fired for carrying his weapon if it's in violation of company policy. His violation would not be considered a crime. However, if the carrier does not have a valid concealed carry license or he carries a weapon into a properly marked workplace, he could face misdemeanor criminal charges.