For First Time, Permitless Carry Legislation Advances From Committee!
Dear Texas NRA Member:
On Thursday, by a 6-3 vote, the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety voted out House Bill 1911, by Rep. James White (R-Woodville), and House Bill 1927, by Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler), NRA-backed permitless carry proposals that would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a handgun without a state-issued License To Carry (LTC). It’s time for Texas to join the 20 other states that have legalized this personal protection option!
The existing LTC law would not be repealed under these measures. Criminals who are prohibited from possessing firearms (i.e., felons, fugitives from justice, individuals committed by the courts for mental illness, domestic abusers) would still be barred from carrying guns. This legislation would not prevent the enforcement of any laws broken by criminals who misuse firearms. These measures now move to the House Calendars Committee, which will determine if, and when, each measure is considered by the full House. Please contact your State Representatives and urge them to PASS PERMITLESS CARRY THIS SESSION!
Yesterday, the committee also voted out two additional bills: House Bill 918, by Rep. Ben Leman (R-Iola), which lowers the age eligibility requirement for a License To Carry to 18 for, and extends this self-defense option to, a person who has obtained an active family violence protective order or magistrate’s order of emergency protection; and, House Bill 1407, by Rep. Schaefer (R-Tyler), which allows a LTC holder to have a handgun in his or her vehicle that is visible and in a holster but not on the person – an important clarification, and an extension of legal, safe and practical carry options in one’s car or truck. These measures also head to the Calendars Committee, which will consider whether or not they will receive a House floor vote.
