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 Sen. 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.
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
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 four-hour 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 a license to carry is $40 for most Texans.
Members skeptical of the bill raised concerns about those who aren’t legally allowed to possess a firearm.
“How are the police supposed to identify those folks if all of a sudden there’s no licensing requirement,” asked McAllen Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. “Most of the time the licensing requirement weeds them out.”
Proponents argued that criminals intending to use firearms in the commission of crimes aren’t going to be stopped by laws prohibiting unlicensed carry.
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