TX CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY - The Texas House on Thursday gave an initial OK to a bill that would allow handguns to be carried without a permit, marking a win for gun rights activists but a blow to those who have been fighting for more gun restriction measures.
House Bill 1927, spearheaded by state Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, would eliminate the requirement for Texas residents age 21 and older to obtain a license to carry handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing one.
"Members I believe that it's time to restore faith in law-abiding Texans," Schaefer said.
"I'm so tired of the gun being worshipped like some golden calf and hearing all about rights and nothing about responsibilities," Texas State Rep. Joe Moody, (D) El Paso
Under current law, Texans getting a license to carry must undergo at least 4 hours of training, pass a written test on gun safety and storage laws, and pass a shooting proficiency test, HB-1927 would remove those requirements. While most Democrats were against the bill, it did get seven Democrat votes. Prior to the vote Democratic Representative Joe Moody of El Paso expressed frustration on the bill’s support.
“I’m so tired of the gun being worshipped like some golden calf and hearing all about rights and nothing about responsibilities," Moody explained.
Moody’s hometown of El Paso was the scene of a 2019 racially-motivated mass shooting at a Wal Mart that left 22 dead and 26 injured. Police Association members from Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio spoke out against the bill at a press conference earlier in the week. HB-1927 now goes to the Texas Senate for further debate.
