This from Alice Tripp, lagislative director of the Texas State Rifle Association:
Carrying in Church
Since the Sutherland Springs tragedy, Texans with a handgun license are asking for reassurance, "Can licensees carry in a church?" The easy answer is YES. State law does not prohibit you and has not since 1997, however your church might!
Read, print and save the link below:
The link to PC 46.035 (i)
The Back Story
In 1995 when CHL law finally passed, the answer to the Church Question was NO. Initially churches were a prohibited location.
Then in 1997, when the language to Penal Code 30.06 passed creating the sign familiar to licensees, one line was added to PC 46.035. It is located in law at PC 46.035 (i). Check out line (i) on the link to the bill.
The addition of that one line (i) treats churches as other private property. Churches and church property were longer prohibited unless the sign is posted.
An attempt was made by the "other side" in 1999 to make churches prohibited locations again. The committee refused to vote and the bill died
My minister testified: "The Peace of God is not disturbed by law-abiding citizens exercising their constitutional rights. In addition, our country was founded on the separation of church and state and I do not need the state of Texas telling my people how to manage their property. "
Should PC 46.035 be clarified?
Well of course, but it was the best that could be passed in 1997 and has worked well for 20 years.
If your church decides to allow those with a handgun license to carry but doesn't want to see a handgun, it's possible to either post PC 30.07 or to give effective notice which can mean a "cover up, please" card.
Posting both 30.06 and PC 30.07 is required to fully prohibit handgun licensees. Consider this, are licensees a bigger concern for the church than criminals? Signs do not stop criminals.