Texas Update

[Rock and Glock]

HB 1815

This morning, Wednesday, May 23, House Bill 1815 by Representative Carl Isett (R-Lubbock) and Senator Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen) was given final approval on the Senate Local Calendar.

This important NRA-supported measure will clarify, once and for all, that it is legal to transport a handgun in your motor vehicle for personal protection without a Concealed Handgun License (CHL), provided you are eligible to possess the firearm under state and federal law, you are not a member of a criminal street gang, you are not committing any criminal activity at the time (other than a traffic violation,) and as long as the handgun is hidden from plain view.

HB 1815 now heads to Governor Rick Perry (R) for his expected signature.


SB 534

Unfortunately, the House failed to take up Senate Bill 534, sponsored by Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) and Representative Patrick Rose (R-Dripping Springs) for a final vote. This NRA-supported bill would have allowed Concealed Handgun Licensees (CHLs) to transport and store their handguns in locked motor vehicles while parked on their employers' property. More than 70 other bills died on the last House calendar, as debate and action on measures slowed to a crawl while battle looms ahead for leadership of the House.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Texas Yankee]

We had a good legislative year in Texas. Besides 1815 which really clarifies the previous travel law to clearly allow carry in cars, we also got the castle doctrine, a confidentiality for CHL licenses and several other minor statutes. Great job by the TSRA!!

[sheepdog]

Glad to see 1815 pass, it will sure make explaining that crazy gun-in-a-car-while (what the heck IS) traveling law.