SAN ANTONIO — The City of San Antonio has revised its policy to allow individuals with valid handgun licenses to carry firearms into open public meetings at City Hall and Municipal Plaza.
The change follows a determination from the Texas Attorney General’s Office, which said the city’s previous restrictions violated state law.
In a March 5 letter addressed to Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, the Attorney General’s Office said it received complaints from residents regarding the city’s exclusion of licensed handgun holders from City Council meetings.
According to the letter, the city’s policy conflicted with the Texas Government Code, which bars state agencies and political subdivisions from restricting licensed handgun holders from entering or remaining on government-owned or leased property, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
While the Texas Penal Code generally prohibits weapons in open meeting rooms, it includes an exception for individuals holding a valid license to carry under Texas Government Code Chapter 411. Under that law, handguns must be carried either concealed or in a holster.
“Therefore, licensed handgun holders cannot be excluded from an open meeting because they are carrying a handgun in a concealed manner or in a holster,” Assistant Attorney General Lauren McGee wrote.
The city updated its policy on April 29. Officials said both A and B sessions of City Council meetings will now be held in the council chambers.
A city spokesperson said the city will continue working to ensure meetings remain safe and accessible to the public.
The San Antonio Police Department said it has increased safety protocols in response to the policy change and is coordinating efforts to maintain security at public meetings.
