Constitutional Carry In Texas
By Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
As of this writing, twenty states offer permitless, or constitutional carry of a firearm. Texas will soon be the twenty-first state to allow permitless carry of a firearm.
Last month, the Texas Assembly approved House Bill 1927; and it awaits the Governor’s signature to become a law.
When signed, the law goes into effect September 1st 2021. On that date there will no longer be a requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in public; either concealed or open as long you are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm. The law does not affect any laws governing the License-To-Carry permitting process.
Of most importance is that whether you carry a firearm permitted with a Texas License To Carry, or permitless under Constitutional Carry; it is your responsibility to know and understand the laws and regulations related to the carry of a firearm. It is also your responsibility to know and understand the safe operation of that firearm. Remember that once a round leaves the chamber of the firearm, it is your responsibility until it stops!
Note that there are laws that restrict access to certain places if a person is carrying a firearm; they apply to both permitted carry AND permitless carry. A sign at the entrance of an establishment, referencing penal codes 30.06 or 30.07 or a sign referencing the unlicensed possession of a firearm restrict or limit access for those carrying a firearm with a License-To-Carry or under Constitutional Carry. There are other unposted restrictions which are taught during the LTC training that will apply to constitutional carry…
The background check allowing your holding of an LTC is sufficient documentation for your future firearm purchases. With Constitutional Carry, a background check will be required for each and every purchase.
Another consideration to Constitutional Carry is that it does not provide reciprocity with other state’s carry laws. If you plan to visit another state, even if that state and Texas have a reciprocity agreement for permitted carry; as a non-resident of that state, you are prohibited from carrying a firearm in that state.
We recognize that the Second Amendment does not require a permit to carry a firearm for you safety and protection. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement and you are carrying without a permit; you may be detained for a while until it can be verified that you are not in violation of a rule prohibiting you from owning a firearm.
Constitutional Carry may be perfect for you; or you may need a License-To-Carry depending on your situation and your lifestyle. To learn what works best for you, sign up for our Introduction to Constitutional Carry class. Become an informed, and knowledgeable gun owner and carry safely; whether you carry with a permit or without.
Stay Aware, Stay Safe,
www.saddleriverspring.com
© Copyright 2021 Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
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