Texas politicians are objecting to an effort by the State Fair of Texas to make the 2024 version a safer event.

As part of a new set of protocols, 2024 fairgoers will not be allowed to bring in firearms, knives, clubs, explosive devices, ammunition, chemical dispensing devices, replicas, or weapons of any kind — including Holders of a License to Carry, Constitutional Carry, Concealed Carry, and the Open Carry of firearms anywhere on the fairgrounds including Cotton Bowl Stadium.

The new rule is in response to an episode at the fair in 2023, in which three people were injured when someone opened fire at the food court. Previously, the fair allowed concealed carry for self-defense by licensed concealed permit holders.

According to the Texas Tribune, 71 state lawmakers and Republican House nominees signed a petition saying the new policy makes the fair "less safe" because "Gun free zones are magnets for crime because they present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil."

The politicians, listed below, are threatening to take legislative action, stating in their letter that “your actions raise questions about the need for legislation next session to further protect these rights on lands managed by the public."

UPDATE 8-29-2024: On August 29, Texas' Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the city of Dallas over State Fair of Texas gun ban. Paxton filed the lawsuit — on the taxpayers' dime — after giving the city a 15-day notice to reverse the gun ban. The city of Dallas owns Fair Park and leases the grounds to the State Fair of Texas. Paxton insists that, since the property is government-owned, the ban is "unlawful" and violates Texas gun owners' rights. However, the State Fair of Texas is a private nonprofit, and guns have been banned at other similar events.
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The fair responded with a statement that it is following a policy similar to that of most mass gatherings happening these days.

"The State Fair of Texas spends millions of dollars per year on safety and security measures. Furthermore, the Dallas Police Department has a substation at Fair Park. A combined total of more than 200 uniformed and armed DPD officers and State Fair Safety Team members are patrolling the fairgrounds whenever the gates are open. We take the safety of the State Fair very seriously and will continue to do so."

Other new protocols include a redesigned gate entry with cameras at entrances, and a limit on the size of bags. The politicians did not have a problem with those. Phew.

Bags
Approved bags include bags and soft-shell coolers no bigger than 9x10x12 inches, medical bags, and parenting/childcare bags. Coolers must use ice packs or bagged ice; loose ice is no longer allowed.

Also new this year: a 24/7 State Fair Command Center which will serve as a central hub for operational communications and where event oversight, incident notification, tracking, and resolution will occur.

Redesigned Gate Entry
As fairgoers arrive, they will see signage advising them on what to expect when they are screened. This includes information about prohibited items, code of conduct, and that all bags/wagons/coolers are subject to search.

Guests will be channeled through weapons detection technology, which screens for dangerous weapons in the presence of a licensed and trained security officer. The security screening process will be recorded to confirm that security personnel follow best practices.

Texas-themed identifiers will be placed at key pedestrian entry points to help attendees remember where their cars are parked.

Minors
They'll also continue their "After 5 p.m. Minors Policy" instituted in 2023: Starting at 5 pm daily, all minors, age 17 and under, must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone (21+) when entering the fair, and they'll be checking IDs. Parents, guardians, or chaperones may accompany no more than six minors 17 years of age and under. Once inside the fairgrounds, the parent, guardian, or chaperone is not required to remain with the minors.

The 2024 State Fair of Texas will take place from Friday, September 27 through Sunday, October 20.

The full list includes Daniel Alders, Trent Ashby, Keith Bell, Bud Buckley, Greg Bonnen, Ben Bumgarner, Dustin Burrows, Briscoe Cain, Giovanni Capriglione, David Cook, Pat Curry, Mana DeAyala, James Frank, Frederick Frazier, Gary Gates, Stan Gerdes, Craig Goldman, Bob Hall, Kelly Hancock, Sam Harless, Cody Harris, Caroline Harris Davila, Brian Harrison, Richard Hayes, Cole Hefner, Hillary Hickland, Justin Holland, Janis Holt, Lacey Hull, Todd Hunter, Carrie Isaac, Jacey Jetton, Ken King, Stan Kitzman, Stan Lambert, Brooks Landgraf, Jeff Leach, Terri Leo Wilson, Mitch Little, David Lowe, Shelley Luther, Don McLaughlin, Will Metcalf, Mayes Middleton, Geanie Morrison, Candy Noble, Tim Oliverson, Angelia Orr, Jared Patterson, Dennis Paul, Charles Perry, Glen Rogers, Matt Schaefer, Nate Schatzline, Matt Shaheen, Joanne Shofner, Shelby Slawson, Reggie Smith, David Spiller, Drew Springer, Lynn Stucky, Valoree Swanson, Carl Tepper, Kronda Thimesuch, Ed Thompson, Steve Toth, Ellen Troxclair, Gary Vandeaver, Cody Vasut, and Wes Virdell.