**The Texas State Fair: Where Guns and Gun Rights Meet Controversy**
The Texas State Fair, known for its fried delights, live music, and carnival rides, has become a battleground for gun rights advocates and lawmakers in the state. A bill, SB 1065, that aims to keep the State Fair of Texas from prohibiting firearms has been heard by the Senate Committee on State Affairs, sparking debate and controversy. Texas Senate Bill 1065, introduced by Republican Senator Bob Hall, seeks to allow license-to-carry holders to bring firearms to the Fair and other places where a contractor leases government property. The bill is in its early stages, but the debate has been ongoing, with proponents arguing that it would protect the rights of gun owners while opponents claim it would undermine the ability of the State Fair and other organizations to keep events safe.

Proponents of the Bill

License to Carry Instructor, Gary Zimmerman
* “The problem isn’t just the right to carry at the State Fair, but rather the protection needed to get there.”
* “Where are you going to put your gun? In the car. Where’s the number one place where criminals obtain guns? It’s from stealing them from cars, it’s not from buying them, they steal them from cars.”
Gary Zimmerman, a license-to-carry instructor, believes that the issue is not just about allowing guns at the State Fair but about ensuring the safety of those who carry them. He argues that carrying a gun to the Fair would not only protect the individual but also deter potential criminals. Executive Director, John Poole
* “The knee-jerk reaction by the State Fair was a policy change that not only banned all weapons, but it banned the very people that you want to carry a handgun.”
* “We should not have to carry a permit to exercise our Second Amendment rights.”
John Poole, executive director of the Texas State Rifle Association, disagrees with the State Fair’s decision to ban guns, arguing that it is an overreach of authority. He believes that the State Fair should not restrict the rights of gun owners, even if it means allowing them to carry their firearms.

Opponents of the Bill

Sarah West, Volunteer for Moms Demand Action
* “SB 1065 imposes a one-size-fits-all gun mandate on settings as varied as public streets, the Houston Zoo, and public universities. It strips event organizers of the flexibility they need to make site-specific safety decisions.”
* “We need to focus on finding common ground and working together to address the root causes of gun violence, rather than passing laws that restrict our rights.”
Sarah West, a volunteer for Moms Demand Action, argues that the bill would undermine the ability of the State Fair and other organizations to keep events safe. She believes that the current policy, which allows attendees with valid handgun licenses to carry their firearms, has been effective in preventing harm.

State Fair of Texas on SB 1065

The State Fair of Texas has issued a statement on SB 1065, saying that it takes no political position on gun rights issues and has long been a strong supporter of the rights of responsible gun-owning Texans. The Fair’s decision to change its policy regarding the admission of license-to-carry holders with their handguns was made to make the Fair safer for everyone and to follow best practices of similar Texas events.

The 2023 State Fair Shooting

A shooting occurred inside the food court on the fairgrounds in 2023, injuring three people. At the time, the Fair allowed attendees with valid handgun licenses to carry their weapons if they were concealed. The suspect did not have a gun license. Last year, in response to the 2023 shooting, the Fair said nobody could bring a firearm, unless they were current or retired law enforcement members. The Texas Supreme Court denied Attorney General Ken Paxton’s emergency filing, which sought to overturn the State Fair’s gun ban.

What’s Next?

It is unclear if Senate Bill 1065 has the support needed to become law. The bill is currently pending, and no action has been taken. The debate surrounding SB 1065 is ongoing, with proponents and opponents continuing to present their arguments. As the bill moves forward, it will be important to consider the potential impact on the State Fair and the rights of gun owners in Texas.