Permitless carry Bill officially heads to Abbott

The Texas House approved an agreement between House and Senate negotiators on HB 1927 that allows Texans over the age of 21 to carry a firearm without any licensing or training. The Senate followed suit Monday afternoon, sending the legislation to Gov. Abbott’s desk.

Under the legislation, individuals with a misdemeanor or felony conviction for unlawfully carrying a firearm would have those convictions expunged from their record. Someone convicted for felony unlawful carrying of a weapon would be able to own a firearm again once their conviction is expunged.

Since the House and Senate approved different versions of the permitless carry legislation, a conference committee was appointed to work out an agreement. In the agreed-upon version, a peace officer could disarm a person any time they believe it is necessary for safety reasons, a provision called for by law enforcement advocates.

Under current state law, applicants must submit fingerprints, complete up to six hours of training and pass a shooting proficiency test. Texas does not require a license to openly carry a rifle in public.

Abbott has gone on record saying he would sign the permitless carry proposal into law.