It seems the big theme of the year is Permitless Carry. The State of Texas has recently seen 3 new bills come into play in regards to carrying a concealed handgun without a permit. Currently, Texans are allowed to carry a concealed firearm within their own property which includes their vehicles. Texas also allows the open carrying of long guns in public. However, yet to be allowed is the right to carry a concealed firearm on oneself without the issuance of a permit. The three new NRA-backed bills that have been introduced would allow Texas permitless carry to go from being an idea to a reality.

Texas Permitless Carry on the Horizon? 3 Bills are Currently on the Line – Photo: Gun Skins

Texas Permitless Carry on the Horizon? 3 Bills are Currently on the Line

Bills HB 1238, HB 1927 and, HB 1587 are all bills looking to allow unlicensed persons to carry a concealed firearm. Over the last month, each of these three bills has been filed with the Texas Legislature and are currently awaiting their first readings. So each of these bills is currently in its early stages but many feel like this will finally be the year for Texas permitless carry to make it to the law (otherwise known as constitutional carry).

Texas Permitless Carry on the Horizon? 3 Bills are Currently on the Line Photo: Texas Gun Experience

If passed into law, Texas would join the already existing 18 states (with 3 more, Tennessee, Alabama, and Indiana) that have constitutional carry as part of their state laws. The passing of these bills into law wouldn’t invalidate the prohibition on felons from possessing firearms as those restrictions would still be in place for non-law-abiding citizens. What this does do is remove a barrier for the law-abiding citizens of Texas to exercise their second amendment rights.

Texas Permitless Carry on the Horizon? 3 Bills are Currently on the Line

As has been said with other constitutional carry laws being enacted, I firmly believe that it should be the responsibility of the individual to properly arm themselves, train themselves, and be vigilant while out and about. Despite the fact we live in a great country, there are still many dangers we face on a daily basis and we are always going to be our own first line of defense for ourselves, our families, and our communities.