How would you improve the Texas CHL program?

[LostInAustin]

Not have DPS run it. It is a civilian license not a LEO thing.

[chabouk]

A Vermont/Alaska system would be ideal, IMO, though maybe not very realistic at this time.

Vermont and Alaska both have serious weaknesses, including gun-free zones, and Alaska lacks strong preemption.

You really need to throw New Hampshire into the mix.

The mix would look like this:
- No license required for open carry (AK/NH/VT)
- No license required for concealed carry (AK/VT)
- License available for reciprocity purposes (AK/NH)
-- Dirt cheap (NH, $10 for 5 years)
-- Must issue, no test, no class, no fingerprints, no photographs, no notary, no ID requirements (NH)
-- Fast issue (NH, 14 days, and if they fail to comply they have to pay your legal fees if you take it to court)
- Strong statewide preemption where only the state legislature can regulate guns (NH, TX, PA, OH, others)
- Very short list of gun-free zones (NH, only courtrooms are off limits, and they must provide secure storage for your gun)

The weak spots in NH:
- No loaded car carry of handguns without a license (but it's a $10 license, not a huge deal)
- No loaded car carry of long guns at all (it's a game law)

[Dragonfighter]

Agreed, New Hampshire (surprisingly) has some of the best gun laws. Too bad it is where it is. Those laws did'nt stop David Ridley from having a problem. [youtube][/youtube]
No language that I noticed. The other guy is an idiot though.

[KD5NRH]

-- Fast issue (NH, 14 days, and if they fail to comply they have to pay your legal fees if you take it to court)

Getting close, but I would also say that any delays need to be explained in person, at a place of the applicant's choosing, by the DPS director, who must be wearing handcuffs at the time, not later than day 15

Maybe long-range shock collars on the various personnel at DPS, with applicants holding the transmitters until their licenses are issued could also help.

[jsimmons]

I would do this:

1) Make application electronic (it already is).

2) If using electronic application, the applicant's PIN code is issued immediately upon submission of application.

2) Reduce fee if using electronic application.

4) Allow instructors to submit passport photos and fingerprints electronically. This would serve the purpose of indicating that the applicant passed the course.

5) Background checks should be done electronically by access a national database (that does in fact already exist). These checks should be done immediately upon submission of photos/fingerprints.

6) The background check should be used to verify the age, veteran status, and LEO status of the applicant. This would be used to further reduce the fee charged to the applicant.

7) If the background check raises a flag of any kind, the application is routed to a human for clarification and/or final rejection.

8) Problems with photos/fingerprints could also be handled electronically by communicating the issue with the applicant via an automated email requesting new material directly from the applicant.

9) If everything goes through without raising any flags, the license is automatically created and mailed.

The whole process could take less than a week if done this way.

[frazzled]

I would do this:

1) Make application electronic (it already is).

2) If using electronic application, the applicant's PIN code is issued immediately upon submission of application.

2) Reduce fee if using electronic application.

4) Allow instructors to submit passport photos and fingerprints electronically. This would serve the purpose of indicating that the applicant passed the course.

5) Background checks should be done electronically by access a national database (that does in fact already exist). These checks should be done immediately upon submission of photos/fingerprints.

6) The background check should be used to verify the age, veteran status, and LEO status of the applicant. This would be used to further reduce the fee charged to the applicant.

7) If the background check raises a flag of any kind, the application is routed to a human for clarification and/or final rejection.

8) Problems with photos/fingerprints could also be handled electronically by communicating the issue with the applicant via an automated email requesting new material directly from the applicant.

9) If everything goes through without raising any flags, the license is automatically created and mailed.

The whole process could take less than a week if done this way.

Plus all that could be done now and incredibly cheaper. But then we'd have to cut a government budget.

[PUCKER]

Reduce the fee, reduce the paperwork (UT CPF is ONE page!!! I know, due to Crossfire I have one!).

[Purplehood]

Eliminate the requirement for a CHL?

[joe817]

Eliminate the requirement for a CHL?

POST OF THE DAY!

[A-R]

1. Place legal liability for the safety of people who enter any premises OPEN TO THE PUBLIC on the owner/operator of that premises if they choose to post 30.06. Basically if you allow me to enter your premises but do not allow me to bring my firearm, then you are now wholly responsible for my personal safety and security from any and all crime (regardless of reason for the crime or whether you could concievably have prevented it). Furthermore, businesses/entities that post 30.06 must provide for approved lockable containers for CHLers to secure theire firearms upon entering your establishment (we don't all drive cars; where are the bus riders and bicyclists supposed to store their firearms?) Private residences (which serve no business function such as an in-home day care, etc) would be exempted from these provisions, except during such time that said residences are placed for sale and open to public for showing.

2. Place similar legal liability for the safety of all employees on any business which specifically prohibits licensed employees from carrying CHL on premises, but does not prohibit the general public via 30.06

3. Make it absolutely legal in all cases, all places for a citizen of Texas to possess a legal firearm secured inside a locked vehicle under their control. Make it specifically illegal for any business or entity to place restrictions of any kind on Texas citizens' rights to possess a legal firearm in a motor vehicle under their control, regardless of any lease agreement or employement contract. Motor vehicle definition should include motorcyles and the like with lockable storage compartments to secure said firearms. Basically a broader version of a "parking lot bill".

4. Licensed CHL may carry on premises of all schools, public or private, regardless of grade level, and all school-sponsored events. The schools may - at their discretion - post legal 30.06 signage, but the same rules of legal liabilty apply as in #1 above.

5. Licensed CHL may carry on premises of polling place and in courtrooms/court offices. Intentional failure to conceal ("brandishing") without the "defense to prosecution" of legally justified self defense goes up a notch to a felony instead of Class A misdemeanor if committed in these areas. At courtrooms, CHL holder must pro-actively show CHL to court officials before entering any metal detector. Court official/LEO will pull CHL holder aside and verify all information and check for other contraband before allow CHL holder to enter.

6. Replace 51% rule with a .05% rule. Legal for CHL to carry anywhere alcohol is sold, for on-premises consumption or otherwise (including sporting events, ballparks, stadiums, race tracks etc). ANY CHL found intoxicated above a .05% blood-alcohol level while carrying is charged and if convicted subject to same punishment as a second DWI offense (currently Class A misdemeanor), CHL is revoked for a minimum of 5 years. This 0.05% rule also applies to intoxication within your private residence and/or vehicle IF your firearm is on your person or otherwise readily accessible (basically, if you're gonna drink at home, you lock up your guns). ... current DWI standard is still 0.08%, correct? this is why I chose a more stringent 0.05% standard for "CCWI"

7. Change the application process/time frame. Application with fingerprints, photos, affidavits etc. is made to state, all background checks and such are conducted and a preliminary OK is given by the state. The prospective CHL then takes the class and instructor may electronically send notice of successful completion to state which will immediately/automatically produce and mail CHL license. This way, you don't take (and pay for) the class and THEN find out the state has some problem with you. In fact, set it up so that you must receive your OK from the state before you are even allowed to take the class.

And lastly, we want som STINKING CHL BADGES!!!!

[youtube][/youtube]

[marksiwel]

we dont need no stinking badges

[DakPara]

It should be good for life.

[STI Shooter]

Reduce the fees and extend the number of years before it expires. Just like a drivers license.

[Dragonfighter]

5. Licensed CHL may carry on premises of polling place and in courtrooms/court offices. Intentional failure to conceal ("brandishing") without the "defense to prosecution" of legally justified self defense goes up a notch to a felony instead of Class A misdemeanor if committed in these areas. At courtrooms, CHL holder must pro-actively show CHL to court officials before entering any metal detector. Court official/LEO will pull CHL holder aside and verify all information and check for other contraband before allow CHL holder to enter.

I would rather a secure locker be provided at court houses (and at least this should be done) with armed attendants. I am a very calm and pragmatic person, but I can speak from personal experience that in one case, if I had had it on me I may well have used it.

[Mhoward]

I would like the shooting part to be longer and "harder". I remember looking at the two guys next to me when they grabbed their targets. If I would have known how they shot I would have moved a few more targets down from them.
Everyone that carrys should know how to handle a weapon responsibly, there should be something where you are actually watched on how you handle your weapon during the live fire test. I know alot of people that have their CHLs and are not very smart about the way they handle their weapons.
Also lower fees and a easier renewal process.