HB 1065: Ending Anti-Gun Discrimination on Public Grounds

The State Fair of Texas claims to be “a celebration of all things Texas.” But how can it celebrate Texas while denying Texans one of their most fundamental rights?

House Bill 1065, filed in the 89th Legislative Session, ensures that no private contractor operating on public land—like the State Fair—can override Texas law and impose gun bans on lawful citizens carrying under the License to Carry (LTC) program.

Despite the State Fair being held on taxpayer-owned property, its board continues to enforce a blanket prohibition on lawful carry. That means law-abiding Texans are being disarmed on land they pay for, while criminals, as always, ignore the rules.

That’s not just wrong—it’s dangerous.

🔹 Since 1998, over 80% of mass shootings have occurred in so-called “gun-free zones.”
🔹 In locations where armed citizens are allowed to carry, over 50% of attacks have been stopped by a civilian.

These facts were central to a powerful August 12, 2024 letter sent to the State Fair Board of Directors, signed by leading Texas legislators who made it clear: gun-free zones are magnets for violence—not deterrents.

Signers of the letter include:

• Senator Kelly Hancock (SD 9)

• Senator Bob Hall (SD 2), author of the Senate companion bill to HB 1065

• Senator Bryan Hughes (SD 1)

• Representative Matt Schaefer (HD 6)

• Representative Tony Tinderholt (HD 94)

• Representative Brian Harrison (HD 10)

• Representative Nate Schatzline (HD 93)

• Representative Richard Hayes (HD 57)

• Representative Carrie Isaac (HD 73)

• Representative Dustin Burrows (HD 83)

• And many more

Together, these lawmakers demand that the State Fair stop undermining Texans’ rights and public safety—and HB 1065 is the legislative vehicle to ensure it happens.

So why hasn’t SB 1065 moved in the House?

The Senate passed the bill. But in the Texas House, SB 1065 remains stalled in the State Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Ken King—and includes members like:

• Rep. Ryan Guillen (HD 31)

• Speaker Dade Phelan (HD 21)

These lawmakers have the power to advance this critical legislation—and Texans deserve to know why they haven’t.

Notably, Rep. Dustin Burrows, who signed the August 12 letter opposing the State Fair’s gun ban, has yet to take action to move HB 1065 forward.

HB 1065 and SB 1065 would:
✅ Prohibit private entities from banning firearms on state or locally owned property without specific legal authority
✅ Protect LTC holders from being disarmed by rogue contractors and event organizers
✅ Reinforce the Legislature’s clear intent: Texans have the right to self-defense—especially on public grounds

GOA Texas strongly supports HB 1065 and SB 1065. The State Fair shouldn’t be allowed to violate your rights with impunity. Lawmakers must act now—or be held accountable for blocking a commonsense fix