TexasCHLforum.com

Charles L. Cotton wrote: It's dead.

Chas.

wow. Warn a fella, will ya? I feel like you just shot my dog or something

Response from Tom Craddick:

Dear [name],

Thank you for your recent letter in support of House Bill 560. It is always nice hearing from constituents. I believe input from citizens is important to forming good public policy.

House Bill 560, filed by Representative Drew Springer, proposes to modify gun-free zones for those who lawfully carry a firearm. I expect the bill will soon be referred to a committee for consideration. You may follow this legislation, or any other legislation that may be of interest to you, through the Texas Legislature Online portal at http://www.legis.texas.gov/.

The Second Amendment is a very vital right to me and to many Americans. I fully support the Second Amendment right to self-protection and defense of liberty and believe that right should be granted to all eligible persons. I will be mindful of your support for House Bill 560 should I have the opportunity to consider and vote on this legislation.

Again, thank you for taking the time to write me on this important topic of public interest. if I can be of further assistance to you on this or any other issue please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,


TOM CRADDICK

Texas State Representative

House District 82

I'm a little disappointed by the lack of explicit support in this letter.

TreyHouston wrote:So, for us noobs. Around when will we be hearing if this thing as any steam? Feb, march, april, during Trumps first term or second?

85th Texas legislative session commenced on Jan 10th and has a maximum length of 140 days. We will know for sure what will happen (if anything) with this bill by May 30th.

I wrote Tom Craddick today and said:

Mr. Craddick, I would like to encourage you to support Texas House Bill 560 (Springer). This is being hailed as the most important self-defense bill in 10 years, and would greatly expand the carry authority of individuals licensed to carry a handgun in the State of Texas. I spent a little over four years in the Marines and am currently on my fourth year serving the State as a correctional officer. I lawfully carry everywhere I am legally allowed, but sadly there are simply too many off-limits areas where I cannot adequately protect myself from potential threats - threats which are elevated given my roles in the military and corrections. There are many people who dislike me. Please serve me, as I have served this nation and the people of Texas, by removing as many unconstitutional restrictions on lawful carry as possible. HB 560 is a great bill that would remove the unjustified infringements on my Second Amendment rights, while still respecting private property rights and being sensitive to existing federal law and the needs of local law enforcement. I respectfully ask that you support it by all possible means - including sponsorship!

We'll see what he says.

If I understood the text correctly (I'm assuming I didn't and will wait for legal advice before acting if this bill passes) this basically lets us carry everywhere an LEO can with a few minor (and totally reasonable) exceptions. WOW. Color me excited.