Working for State Agency

[Bird of Prey]

I recently started working for the Office of the Attorney General. I couldn't find any info on whether or not it is unlawful to carry here at work. Surprisingly there is absolutely no mention of firearms in the employee handbook. And since the Child Support Division isn't exactly the most beloved agency, I'd really like to carry.

Anyone know the answer?

[speedsix]

...if it's not posted, not addressed in the employee handbook, and your offices aren't utilized by the courts(that one bears checking REAL closely)...I would be quietly, carefully carrying...and wouldn't ask any questions I know I wouldn't like the answer to...talk about a potentially volatile workplace!!!

[Bird of Prey]

I just found the policy on the state's intranet. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited...etc. The very next sentence reads, "This prohibition does not apply to persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code."

I want clarification just to be sure but I don't want to ask my superior because he doesn't need to know that I'm licensed. IANAL but looks like that last line says it's A OK to carry! Please tell me I'm not seeing things!

[speedsix]

...sounds great to me...can you post the link??? sounds like those offices are covered under the new law about fewer govt. buildings/offices being posted...can't reference it right off...

[Bird of Prey]

Sorry, can't post it. It's on our intranet site and not on the internet. It can only be accessed from our computers.

[gdanaher]

Do you have an email address to whom you can submit a question? If so, create a yahoo or gmail account and from your home or elsewhere away from the office, submit the question. It's a legitimate question, you want to avoid problems and you want to avoid stirring the waters. An anonymous account would get you what you need to know.

[RPB]

Do you have an email address to whom you can submit a question? If so, create a yahoo or gmail account and from your home or elsewhere away from the office, submit the question. It's a legitimate question, you want to avoid problems and you want to avoid stirring the waters. An anonymous account would get you what you need to know.

He already found what he needed to know

Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited...etc. The very next sentence reads, "This prohibition does not apply to persons licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code."

I'd say no need to raise red flags if some supervisor is anti-guns and later get fired for wearing mis-matched socks or for no reason at all .... because some day some hoplophobe notices a "bulge" or "lump" under a shirt.

You might print that off though and keep a copy at home, and a copy in the car somewhere.

[jamisjockey]

I'm not sure the language gets any more clear than that.
As others have said, make sure your building doesn't also house offices of the courts. That could get sticky.

[C-dub]

Seems crystal clear to me. To pursue it any further may cause a problem. Maybe a direct supervisor disagrees with this policy and tells the OP he cannot carry at work.

[hirundo82]

Seems clear to me that there's no problem with carrying at work.

I'd send a nice letter to Attorney General Abbott if I were you, since I suspect he's the one behind that policy.