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Charles L. Cotton wrote:The only way to pursue "constitutional carry" is with the bill I've already written for 2019. It 1) moves all of TPC §46.035 to §46.03 so as to apply it to unlicensed carry; 2) renders LTC exempt from not only TPC §46.02, but §46.03 as well; and 3) makes anyone who can lawfully possess firearms under state and federal law eligible for a LTC. The Legislature will not pass constitutional-carry unless people are prohibited from carrying in locations currently in TPC §46.035. Removing off-limits areas for LTCs by exempting us from §§46.02 and 46.03 will give a strong incentive to get a license even though it is not required. This will give the Legislature a measure of comfort in supporting constitutional-carry.

This is the bill I'm going to promote, whether or not TSRA backs it or something else. I'm sick of HB560 being ignored for 10 years and I'm not about to support a constitutional-carry bill without providing relief for LTCs that they have deserved for years. I too am tired of "maybe next session."

Chas.

KC5AV wrote:HB560 would have certainly been my first pick to pass. Since it won't, let's do what we can to pass HB1911. If it passes, and there is no blood in the streets over the next 2 years, surely there can't be any argument against removing some restricted places, right?

Right?

G.A. Heath wrote:I want to point something out, Charles simply said HB560 was dead. He didn't mention plans to get part or all of it tacked on as an amendment to a compatible bill or anything else which could easily mean something is in the works or that he is already working on efforts regarding it for the next session. Let's wait and see what shakes out before we get too riled up.

locke_n_load wrote:Does this bill have any real support in the legislature or any real chance of passage? I keep encouraging my students to write their reps in support but haven't heard anything about the bill other than being filled.

85(R) HB 560
Relating to the places where a person may carry a handgun if the person is licensed to carry a handgun and to certain related criminal offenses.
2/20/2017 H Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety

z_g_yang wrote:Airport secured area is part of 46.03. Does this mean this Bill allow carrying into secured area of airport?

Charles L. Cotton wrote:I just completed a detailed analysis of HB560 and it is an excellent bill! I'll do a separate TFC Tex. Leg. Report on that Bill.

It puts LTC's in the TPC §46.15(a) "not applicable" subsection, the same one that contains peace officers, probation officers, railroad detectives and countless other non-LEO personnel that must have an LTC in order to be included in this subsection. It also repeals the TPC §46.035(b) & (c) off-limits areas, but leaves 1) the prohibition on carrying openly unless in a holster; or 2) while intoxicated. It also retains the provisions of SB11 (2015) campus-carry for public and private colleges. Some will complain about colleges, but this absolutely is the correct approach.

This is the most important self-defense bill passed since SB378 in 2007. Couple this with passage of SB16 (LTC fee elimination) and a huge number of law-abiding Texans will be able to protect themselves and their loved ones almost everywhere in our great State.

Everyone needs to start calling and faxing their Texas Senator and Representative and respectfully ask them to support this Bill. I know, the session hasn't begun and Austin will primarily have staff only. We need to start now and keep the pressure on until this Bill passes. It would be a good idea to contact the Speaker's office also.

Be sure to call and email Rep. Drew Springer to say thank you and to pledge your full support for his excellent Bill. Color me VERY HAPPY!!!

Chas.