A good chunk of the United States, mostly states hugging the left and right coasts, seems to be moving towards more restrictive gun control laws, but Texas is moving in the opposite direction. In fact a number of pro-gun laws are going into effect tomorrow (September 1). They will make it MUCH easier to obtain and maintain a concealed carry license, as well as removing some laws that lack “common sense” when it comes to carrying. Unfortunately, this year we didn’t see campus carry or open carry, but we’re getting closer. Make the jump for a list of the Lone Star law changes . . .
From the NRA-ILA website:
SB 1907 by state Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) and state Representative Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington) prohibits public and private colleges and universities from adopting administrative rules banning the possession, transportation and storage of lawfully-owned firearms and ammunition in private motor vehicles by students and visitors with Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHLs).
SB 299 by state Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) and state Representative Kenneth Sheets (R-Dallas) protects CHLs against charges of unlawful carry for the accidental display of a handgun.
SB 864 by state Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) and state Representative Dan Flynn (R-Canton) reduces the minimum number of required classroom training hours for an original CHL from 10-15 to 4-6 hours, making it far more convenient for license applicants to exercise their right to self-defense.
HB 48 by state Representative Flynn and state Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) streamlines the process for renewal of a CHL by eliminating the continuing education requirement and handgun proficiency demonstration. License holders would still be required to renew their licenses every five years, but they would be provided an informational form regarding firearm and deadly force laws, which must be signed and submitted with the renewal application.