1. (a) In this section:

   1. (1) "License holder" has the meaning assigned by Section 46.03, Penal Code.

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

      1. (A) the Austin State Hospital;
      2. (B) the Big Spring State Hospital;
      3. (C) the El Paso Psychiatric Center;
      4. (D) the Kerrville State Hospital;
      5. (E) the Vernon State Hospital;
      6. (F) the Rio Grande State Center;
      7. (G) the Rusk State Hospital;
      8. (H) the San Antonio State Hospital;
      9. (I) the Terrell State Hospital;
      10. (J) the Waco Center for Youth;
      11. (K) the Wichita Falls State Hospital;
      12. (L) the Panhandle State Hospital; and
      13. (M) the Lubbock Psychiatric Center.

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

      1. (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";
      2. (B) appears in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height; and
      3. (C) is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public at each entrance to the property.
2. (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.

3. (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. (1) $100 for the first violation; or
   2. (2) $500 for the second or subsequent violation.
4. (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.

Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 809 (H.B. 1927), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2021.

Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 214 (H.B. 913), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2025.