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Lufkin City Council approves ordinance narrowing rules on firearm discharges
Summary
The Lufkin City Council approved a second-reading ordinance that creates a more specific prohibition on unlawful discharge of weapons within city limits while preserving stated exceptions including self‑defense and uses on tracts larger than 10 acres.
The Lufkin City Council approved on second reading an ordinance prohibiting unlawful discharge of weapons within the city limits.
City staff told the council the ordinance is intended to give Lufkin Police Department a clearer enforcement tool for firearm discharges that occur on private property instead of relying on the disorderly-conduct statute that applies to public right of way. Kevin, a city staff presenter, said the measure is written to “aid in the protecting the public while allowing reasonable exceptions, including protection of yourself and others and on tracts of land greater than 10 acres.”
Staff recommended approval of the ordinance. There was no public comment at the hearing, and the motion to approve passed after a motion and second.
The ordinance language as presented keeps exceptions for self-defense and for discharges occurring on tracts larger than 10 acres, but otherwise tightens the city’s enforcement options for firearms discharged in or around private property. The council did not record detailed roll-call vote counts in the public discussion recorded in the transcript; the meeting record shows the motion carried.
