Article

Senate Bill 698

Authorizes certain public entities to limit the CHL affirmative defense for firearm possession in public buildings, converting it to a Class A misdemeanor.

Introduced: January 13, 2025 Updated: June 27, 2025 Dead Senate Bill

Quick info

Chief Sponsor(s) Senator Reynolds , Senator Broadman , Representative McDonald , Senator Prozanski , Representative Grayber , Representative Kropf

Regular Sponsor(s) Senator Manning Jr , Representative Ruiz , (Presession filed.)

Status Dead

Session 2025 Regular Session

OLIS View on OLIS

Overview

Allows public entities to limit the CHL affirmative defense in certain public buildings and increases the penalty consequence.

Key provisions

Authorizes governing bodies of certain public entities to adopt policies limiting the CHL affirmative defense in public buildings.
Applies to buildings or grounds controlled by those entities.
Converts the affirmative defense from a complete defense into a Class A misdemeanor conviction when a policy applies.

Penalties / enforcement

In affected buildings, the CHL defense results in a Class A misdemeanor conviction.
Class A misdemeanor penalty: up to 364 days’ imprisonment and a $6,250 fine.

Effective date / timeline

Effective date not specified in the OLIS summary.

Exceptions / carve-outs

Applies only when a public entity adopts a policy, ordinance, or regulation limiting the CHL defense.