Texas Governor Abbott Signs Constitutional Carry Bill

Texas joined the ranks of states with a constitutional carry law when Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed NRA-ILA-backed House Bill 1927 on Thursday, June 17. The law takes effect Sept. 1.

An FAQ generated by the office of state Rep. Matt Shaeffer (R-Tyler), who authored the legislation, explains the measure, “Allows law-abiding individuals age 21+ to carry a handgun openly (in a holster) or concealed in non-prohibited places for the protection of themselves and their families—without having to first obtain a License To Carry (‘LTC’). Prohibitions on criminals possessing firearms remain in place (e.g., felons, fugitives from justice, individuals committed by the courts for mental illness, illegal aliens, domestic abusers, etc.)…”

The signing ceremony took place at arguably the Lone Star state’s most fitting location.

“In this historic place—the Alamo—one of our nation’s earliest battles for freedom was fought,” said NRA Executive Vice President & CEO Wayne LaPierre. “And today, another has been won, as Texas becomes the 21st state to allow law-abiding gun owners to carry a firearm. The United States Constitution sets forth this fundamental right to freedom, and it is an honor to be here as Gov. Abbott signs into law a new bill furthering these rights for all Texans. In an increasingly dangerous world, Texans—and all Americans—deserve the right to protect themselves, their loved ones and their fellow citizens.”

“Politicians from the federal level to the local level have threatened to take guns from law-abiding citizens—but we will not let that happen in Texas,” said Gov. Abbott. “Texas will always be the leader in defending the Second Amendment, which is why we built a barrier around gun rights this session. These seven laws will protect the rights of law-abiding citizens and ensure that Texas remains a bastion of freedom. Thank you to the Texas Legislature for getting these bills to my desk.”

Other measures signed during the ceremony include one that prohibits government entities from entering into contracts with businesses that discriminate against firearm or ammunition firms. Another establishes Texas as a Second Amendment Sanctuary State. A full list is available in the Gov. Abbott’s press release.