Texans who can legally carry handguns could do so without a state license under a bill approved by a special Senate panel Thursday. Committee chair and bill sponsor Senator Charles Schwertner of Georgetown told members that the constitution is clear on the right to keep and bear arms. “HB 1927 recognizes the United States Constitution as our permit to carry”, he said. “It allows all law-abiding adults to carry a handgun for the protection of themselves and their families.” The bill would allow Texans at least 21 years of age, who are legally permitted to own a handgun, to carry that weapon on their person, in a holster, without a license from the state. Schwertner stressed that the bill would not change laws relating to possession of firearms nor would it change federal background check requirements.
As members of the committee noted, Texans can already possess a gun in the home, carry in their vehicles, and openly carry a long gun without any requirement for licensing.
State law requires a license to carry a handgun, either concealed or openly. To obtain one, a Texan must be 21 years old and complete either a fourhour safety course, either online or in person with a licensed handgun instructor. Whether or not the course is completed in person, the applicant must pass a proficiency demonstration under the observation of an instructor. The fee for obtaining or renewing a license to carry is $40 for most Texans. Under the proposed bill, this system will remain in place for those who wish to obtain a license for the purposes of reciprocity with the 36 states that recognize a Texas license to carry.
The committee approved the bill 5-2, but it’s not yet clear if the bill has the supporters required to bring up a bill on the Senate floor. Schwertner said he thinks it can get there. “A few short weeks ago it was suggested that there was insufficient support to pass a constitutional carry bill out of the Texas Senate this session,” he said. “I personally refuse to accept that.
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