Texas Government Code Section 229.001 broadly preempts municipal firearms regulation, leaving Fort Worth with minimal authority. The city cannot regulate ownership, transfer, transportation, or storage of firearms or ammunition by ordinance.
Under Texas Government Code Section 229.001, the State of Texas preempts nearly all local firearms regulation. Fort Worth cannot adopt ordinances regulating firearms, ammunition, knives, air guns, or firearm components. Narrow exceptions allow regulating discharge within city limits, restricting firearms at city-owned facilities, and limiting carry at public meetings consistent with state law. Fort Worth City Code Chapter 23 regulates discharge under those allowances. Senate Bill 19 further limits city contracts with companies that discriminate against firearm businesses, and Senate Bill 741 restricts homeowner-association firearm bans. The Texas Attorney General can sue cities exceeding authority, with civil penalties up to twenty-five thousand dollars per subsequent violation.
Cities passing ordinances exceeding Section 229.001 authority face civil penalties up to $1,500 for first violations and $25,000 for subsequent violations, enforceable by the Texas Attorney General under Government Code Section 229.001(d).
Fort Worth, TX
Texas House Bill 1927 allows most adults 21 and older to carry handguns concealed without a permit. Fort Worth follows state rules; the License to Carry unde...
Fort Worth, TX
Texas allows permitless open carry of handguns in shoulder or belt holsters for adults 21 and older. Fort Worth cannot restrict open carry beyond state law e...
See how Fort Worth's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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