TSRA Email Andi Turner Legislative Director
Premier Firearms Association In The Great State Of Texas!
On Permitless Carry- House Bill 1911 by Representative White and House Bill 1927 by Representative Schaeffer are in the Calendars Committee. You'll recall that these bills DO NOT eradicate the LTC system (in fact I know several people who are still going to get their LTC even if this passes). People who qualify to carry as an LTC (the person isn't a felon, drug addict, fugitive from justice, etc) would be allowed to carry without a permit. Mostly, the people supporting these bills already carry, so the bills are more about rights being restored. There are now 20 other states as of today that have passed some form of Permitless carry. It's high time Texas joined them! I am hearing rumors of floor action on these bills soon but, as of today, they have not been scheduled for debate in the full House. Stand by, I'll keep you updated.
Senate Bill 513 by Senator Hall was voted out of committee This is the Senate version of the Sanctuary State bill I've written about. So now, we have a House version through committee and a Senate version. I am hopeful that one (or both) passes. The prevents Texas resources from being used to enforce new federal mandates on 2A issues that are not also state laws.
House Bill 1407 by Representative Schaeffer was also voted out of committee. If this passes, an LTC holder would be allowed to have a holstered firearm visible in your vehicle. This bill is officially in the Calendars committee and is waiting to be scheduled for Floor debate.
Senate Bill 550 by Senator Springer was voted out of committee and is headed for Calendars. This bill would remove the specific type of holster LTC holders are required to use. Currently, a license holder must have either a belt or a shoulder holster. Under this bill, LTC holders could choose how they wanted to carry. (Something I personally am delighted about---carrying in a dress is difficult at best!) More importantly, this bill allows LTC holders to make their own choice in holsters based on their tactical preferences and comfort.
Senate Bill 18 by Senator Creighton was voted out of committee. This is the Senate version of the bill that forbids any Governor of Texas from trampling on our Second Amendment rights during a disaster or state of emergency.
Senate Bill 19 by Senator Schwertner was also voted out. This bill prevents state agencies from engaging in contracts with companies who have anti-gun policies. Texans tax dollars would not be going to support any business who discriminates against the firearms industry.
Senate Bill 20 by Senator Campbell is headed to Calendars as well. This bill would prevent a hotel (defined as 10 rooms or more) from adopting a policy that prohibits the carrying or storing of a handgun or ammunition while going DIRECTLY TO or DIRECTLY FROM from a hotel guest's room or car. Hotels retain the option to require you to carry concealed or in a bag while you are transporting your firearm.
Senate Bill 18, 19 and 20 are on Lt. Governor Dan Patrick's priority list so I have good hope for those, as well.
