Texas House moves forward with no-permit carry bill

The Texas House gave initial approval to a "constitutional carry" bill that would allow Texans to carry a handgun without a license.

Current Texas law requires gun owners to obtain a permit to carry their weapon in the open or in a concealed manner. House Bill 1927 passed 84-56 after several hours of emotional debate.

If approved, Texas would become the largest of 20 states that allow no-permit carry. The bill was spearheaded by Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, who said on the House floor: "It’s time to restore faith in law-abiding Texans."

"This bill should be called common-sense carry," he added. Schaefer argued that not everyone had the time and resources to obtain a permit. Obtaining a handgun license in Texas costs between $100 and $150, according to Schaeffer, and applicants must also go through criminal history and background checks. Those who commercially purchase guns will still have to undergo a background check.

Democrats, particularly those from districts near the 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting, fought against the bill and offered nearly two dozen amendments, all of which failed.

They said they’d been hopeful of passing further gun control measures in the wake of the El P... (Read more)

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