Guns in parks? AG gets 5th request to clarify new gun laws

This June 4, 2014 aerial photograph provided by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) shows Lake Travis, Texas. Another river authority in Jackson County on Nov. 18, 2015 asked Attorney General Ken Paxton if it could continue to ban handguns in its parks after a slew of new gun laws were passed this year. (AP Photo/Lower Colorado River Authority) less This June 4, 2014 aerial photograph provided by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) shows Lake Travis, Texas. Another river authority in Jackson County on Nov. 18, 2015 asked Attorney General Ken Paxton ... more Photo: Dylan Baddour Photo: Dylan Baddour Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Guns in parks? AG gets 5th request to clarify new gun laws 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN - For at least the fifth time since Texas passed a slew of new gun laws this year, Attorney General Ken Paxton is being asked to clarify where the rights of firearms owners ends and local control begins.

This time, officials from a local river authority are asking Paxton if they can continue to ban certain guns in their parks after the open carry of handguns by license holders becomes legal on Jan. 1. Currently, the river authority allows hunting in its park lands, but sets rules and restrictions on the practice.

In addition to the new open carry law, officials specifically are concerned about Senate Bill 273. This law, which went into effect Sept. 1, allows the state to fine local governmental entities that prohibit concealed carry by license holders in their buildings.

"Despite these restrictions on the ability of governmental entities, generally, to prohibit the carrying of handguns on their premises, (the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority) believes that an LNRA rule that would prevent a person from openly carrying a handgun is a valid and effective exercise of its authority," the Nov. 18 request for opinion read.

The LNRA also cited a 1995 opinion from then-Attorney General Dan Morales, which stated that county officials could prohibit concealed carry in their parks "if such a rule is reasonably necessary and appropriate."

Paxton has been asked by at least four other individuals and groups to clarify other gun laws passed this year. Earlier this summer, officials from two counties asked if they could continue to ban handguns in the entirety of a building if only a portion of that building is considered a "gun-free zone," like a courtroom or public meeting place.

He also has been asked to clarify the state's new campus carry law, which will allow concealed handguns in public university buildings next fall, and whether the new open carry law will allow people to bring guns within a certain distance of elementary and high school campuses.