Texas Rolls Out Over 800 New Laws Including Changes To Gun Laws
More than 800 new laws went into effect Monday in Texas. There are a few that will be of interest to gun owners in the state.
Open Carry
Conceal Carry License holders are required to take and pass a course on gun laws in the state of Texas, but the Open/Constitutional Carry law does not. Because of that, many Texans do not know what they can and cannot do while carrying a weapon. Before venturing out of your home with a firearm in plain view, research what is legally allowed.
Gun Policy Changes
Senate Bill 706
Senate Bill 706 states that Texas will recognize all out-of-state concealed carry licenses, to simplify legal carry for visitors.
House Bill 668
House Bill 668 allows Texans to renew a handgun license up until its first anniversary (instead of the expiration date). It should be noted, however, if the gunowner is in another state, that state will only acknowledge the expiration date.
Senate Bill 1596
Senate Bill 1596 relaxes a ban on short-barreled rifles in the state of Texas. In the past, Texans could acquire the rifle if they met all the federal regulations. According to Texas law, short-barreled firearms are rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches and shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches. Senate Bill 1596 will allow short-barreled firearms to be legal in Texas without registration with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
House Bill 1234
House Bill 1234 provides a process for license applicants to appeal medical denials. Texans will be given 30 days to submit additional information for officials to consider when approving or denying and application.
Senate Bill 1362/Red Flag Laws
Also included in the changes is the opportunity for Texans to defend themselves against Red Flag Laws. Red Flag Laws allow a judge to confiscate the firearms of an individual if someone else claims the individual is a danger to themself or others. Opponents say the law can be misused by relying on the words of another person who may have ulterior motives or be anti-2nd Amendment. Senate Bill 1362 states that Texas will not allow Red Flag laws.
Senate Bill 3053
Senate Bill 3053 bans gun buyback programs that are sometimes used by local governments to reduce the number of guns in circulation.