Texas lawmakers are advancing legislation that would prohibit the State Fair of Texas from enforcing its current firearms ban, potentially allowing licensed gun owners to carry weapons on the fairgrounds at Fair Park in Dallas.
Senate Bill 1065, authored by Senator Bob Hall (R-Edgewood), aims to prevent entities leasing government-owned property—such as the State Fair—from restricting licensed firearm carriers.
The bill passed the Texas Senate in April and was recently approved by a House committee without a public hearing, moving it closer to a full House vote before the legislative session ends on May 27.
The legislation was introduced following a 2023 incident where a shooting at the fair injured three people. In response, the State Fair implemented a comprehensive firearms ban, allowing only active or retired law enforcement officers to carry weapons on the premises. The fair, a private nonprofit organization, leases Fair Park from the city of Dallas.
Supporters of the bill argue that the ban infringes on Texans' Second Amendment rights.
They contend that licensed gun owners should be permitted to carry firearms, especially when attending events on public property. Opponents, including gun safety advocates, express concerns that allowing firearms could compromise the safety of fairgoers.
The State Fair of Texas has stated that its decision to enforce a gun ban is not a political stance but a measure to ensure the safety of its visitors.
The fair emphasizes its support for responsible gun ownership while maintaining that the ban is a necessary precaution following the previous year's shooting incident.