Permitless carry bill passes in Texas Senate

A bill that would allow the permitless carrying of guns took another step forward on the state Senate floor Wednesday.

Senators passed HB 1927, which if passed by the House and Gov. Abbott, would let anyone carry a gun in Texas without training or a permit. The only people who would not be allowed to have firearms are people who have court injunctions against them.

There were multiple changes made to the bill, including enhancing penalties for felons caught with guns. Now that the Senate passed the bill, it goes back to the House, because bills out of both chambers must be identical before they go to the governor.

Current Texas law requires that in order to receive a permit for concealed or open carry of a handgun, a person must be at least 21 years old, pass a fingerprinted background check, complete four to six hours of classroom or online training, pass a written exam, and pass a shooting safety and proficiency test.

Under HB 1927, handguns are still prohibited inside certain places, including: on the premises of businesses that had an alcoholic beverage permit or license and derived at least 51% of their income from that sale of alcoholic beverages; on the premises where an amateur or professional sporting event was taking place, except under certain circumstances; on the premises of a civil commitment facility; on the premises of a correctional facility; in an amusement park; businesses or properties that give effective notice that handguns are not allowed.

Gov. Abbott has said that he will sign the bill if it makes it to his desk.

Across the country, 21 states have some form of constitutional or “permitless” carry of handguns.