Gun laws to impact VZC Courthouse
Texas Senate Bills 910 and 11 passed by the 84th Legislature and Texas Governor Abbott will be in effect in Van Zandt County starting Jan. 1, 2016.
Texas SB 910 will allow for open carry of handguns and Texas SB 11 will allow for limited carry of concealed handguns on college campuses.
But, Van Zandt County commissioners have agreed to post signage on the VZC Courthouse reminding citizens that it will be illegal to carry or conceal a weapon on courthouse property.
The signage basically will state that:
“Pursuant to Section 30.07 penal code, (Trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun) a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, government code (Handgun licensing law,) may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly;
“Pursuant to section 30.06 penal code, (trespass by holder of license to carry concealed handgun,) a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, government code (concealed handgun law,) may not enter the property with a concealed handgun.
The signage will also be posted in Spanish and be posted on all entrances of the courthouse.
Vehicle replacement
Constable Precinct 1 Mickey Henson paid a visit to the commissioners Dec. 8.
Henson told commissioners that he would be adamant about “being sure to get behind any pursuits” before being issued another vehicle.
Henson was referring to the Oct. 22 accident that involved Henson's vehicle being crashed into from behind by Russell Hughes. Hughes led authorities on a high speed chase through Van Zandt County. He hit a tree after rear-ending Henson's vehicle and the chase came to a stop.
“On that day, the safety of children who were getting off of school buses in the area was on my mind. It didn't help me any, but I did stop him,” said Henson.
Henson was taken to the emergency room but was later released.
Henson asked for approval for a vehicle replacement. Henson said that insurance settlements on the crashed vehicle totaled approximately $4,700.
Commissioner Pct. 4 Tim West told commissioners that Precinct 4 had a vehicle that could be used for Precinct 1.
Commissioners agreed to let Henson use the vehicle and the insurance money would be used to cover the cost of repairs on the new vehicle.
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