New Texas gun law center of controversy

AUSTIN, Texas, March 18 (UPI) -- A proposed Texas state law that would allow residents to carry a firearm to work could create potential deadly situations, business interests say.

Business groups argue that if Texas residents are allowed to carry firearms to and from their workplaces there is potential for a deadly rampage by a frustrated worker during the ongoing economic crisis, the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman said Wednesday.

The bill would allow Texas residents to travel to work with a firearm in their car and leave the weapon in the vehicle while working.

The groups' argument to the state Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday was immediately opposed by state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, who co-sponsored the bill proposal.

"To sit here and suggest this (bill) creates an unsafe environment is wrong. As an employer... I think that argument is really weak," Patrick said in the American-Statesman said.

Those in support of Senate Bill 730, which was created by state Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, argue that firearms in the workplace would help create safety amid the current recession and its resulting increase in crime.