Legislation to Penalize Celebratory Gunfire Introduced in Texas

By Jenn Jacques

File this one under “How is this even legal?”

Legislators in Texas are taking steps to curb the practice of celebratory gunfire after state Rep. Armando Martinez was hit by a stray bullet last New Year’s Eve.

“I was hit with a stray bullet. It pierced my skull and it was lodged in my brain. …We’re talking about two millimeters from (me) not being here today,” said Martinez, who introduced the bill on Monday. “With that in mind, I’m an NRA gun-carrying member and I have a CHL, but this isn’t about preventing people from carrying or purchasing a gun. This is about being a responsible gun owner.”

The House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee heard testimony Monday for House Bill 2583, which would create a penalty for individuals who knowingly discharge a firearm without an intended target.

Under Martinez’s bill, those who shoot a gun without an intended target would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor — or a first-degree felony if a serious bodily injury or death occurs as a result. There would be no offense if the shooting occurred at a gun range, while legally hunting or using blanks.

“This is mainly to deter celebratory gunfire. It is a solution to a …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms