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Blinking Dog wrote:Charles - I understand your opinion, but the bar issue is one where we the rules are double-dipping. We already have no intoxicated carry, so why do we need a no-51% carry? I'm willing to write letters, make calls...whatever. And if it is wrapped up in an omnibus CHL law seems like we ought to have a fighting chance.

I agree; as a general rule, I don't like the concept of prohibiting conduct solely because it might lead to other conduct that is harmful. My concern about guns in bars is purely a political one. It gives our opposition a very emotional focal point to attack and the media will be only too happy to assist. I can hear the news reports now; "people can now carry guns in bars. Yes, it's illegal for them to be intoxicated, but it's illegal to be intoxicated and drive, yet drunk drivers kill thousands of people every year."

Omnibus bills are very efficient, yet very dangerous. They open a lot more to amendment and they make it easier to tie up a bill in committee or in floor debate. Plus, in this context, it wouldn't help. The "bar" provision would simply be removed by amendment, either in committee or during floor debate.

Chas.

srothstein wrote:Charles,

If that bill gets introduced, let me know if there is anything I can do to help (like testimony from a Master Peace Officer that this is fair and would not cause a problem).

Absolutely. Thanks for offering.

As a heads-up for people, bars are going to be the biggest rallying point for the opposition. The media will have a field day with "CHLs getting drunk in bars" and this will put a lot of pressure on House Members and Senators. I'm not trying to get into the "should we or should we not allow guns in bars," I'm just pointing out the political reality. Those opposing a bill don't necessary need a valid point to kill it, often an invalid but highly emotional rallying point is even more effective. So understand that a bill sponsor may require that bars still be off-limits for CHLs. Many people were willing to risk re-election to pass CHL in 1995, but no one is going to risk re-election to let CHLs carry in bars. Again, this is just political reality.

Chas.

I have written a bill to put CHLs in the same group of people that are exempt from both TPC §§46.02 and 46.03; i.e. LEOs, all judges (including municipal and JP's), railroad LEO's, probation officers (both types), county/district attorneys, and a few others. Whether it will be introduced is a tactical decision that will be made when we have a lot more information about the makeup of committees, chairmen, etc.

Chas.