Important Information Regarding Safe Firearm Storage

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Please take a few moments to review the attached firearm safety information. Texas law requires school districts to provide parents and guardians with information regarding the safe storage of firearms.  The safety and well-being of our students is a shared responsibility. Attached to this email, you will find resources and information about safe firearm storage, as well as guidance on how to talk with children and others about firearm safety.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, thousands of Texans are affected each year by firearm-related injuries and deaths. Safe firearm storage plays a critical role in preventing accidental shootings, youth access to firearms, suicides, and other tragedies.  

Texas law makes it unlawful to store, transport, or abandon an unsecured firearm in a location where a child is likely to gain access to it. Under Texas Penal Code §46.13, a person may commit an offense if a child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm and the person with criminal negligence:

• Failed to secure the firearm; or
• Left the firearm in a place where they knew or should have known a child could gain access.
Penalties for allowing a child access to a firearm can range from a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $4,000, confinement in jail for up to one year, or both.
To help keep children safe, firearms should always be:
• Stored unloaded
• Locked in a safe, gun cabinet, or other secure container
• Kept separate from ammunition
• Inaccessible to children and unauthorized individuals

Additionally, Texas exempts the purchase of firearm safety equipment from Texas Sales and Use Tax, making safety devices more affordable for families.  For additional information and resources, please visit the Texas Department of Public Safety's Safe Gun Storage Texas website: safegunstoragetexas.com.

Safe firearm storage is one of the most important steps we can take to prevent accidents, injuries, and tragedies involving children and teens.  Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our students and community safe.


Sincerely,

David Wells
Director of Safety and Child Nutrition
Mineral Wells ISD