TexasCHLforum.com

Bills are usually, but not always, voted on the week following the public hearing. There were a lot of bills debated yesterday, so it may take a little longer. If it goes past 2 weeks, then it's time to start worrying and turn on the phones and faxes.

Chas.

AEA wrote:CSHB700 text is still not updated on the Legislature website yet.

I have learned that all committee substitutes in Homeland Security & Public Safety were "withdrawn subject to vote" meaning they were laid out and debated, then they were withdrawn until the vote on the individual bills. This is usually the following week when the Committee meets again.

Chas.

AEA wrote:Charles, can we now get a look at the CSHB700?

It'll be posted on the Legislative website tomorrow.

Chas.

The_Busy_Mom wrote:I have sent emails requesting support.

Is there any way to get the text of CSHB 700? I know that Mr. Cotten has said it changes the 30.06 back, and addresses the holster issue. But I would like to see a copy of the text that was substituted. Anyone got link or a copy?

TBM

I wish I could post it, but I'm not at liberty to do so. It's not official until the author lays it out at a committee hearing and if I disclose it, I won't be consulting with Senators and House Members any longer.

Sorry,
Chas.

I've received two emails asking if the NRA and TSRA are "really" going to support Rep. Lavender's committee substitute for HB700. I answered them, but if I've received two emails on the subject, it leads me to believe there may be some misinformation (how's that for playing nice) being circulated.

Both NRA and TSRA support Rep. Lavender's CSHB700 open-carry Bill. The NRA lobbyist is responsible for states other than Texas and I'm not sure if she's going to be able to get back to Austin for tomorrow's hearing. However, she has had the NRA send at least two email alerts supporting the open-carry bill.

TSRA's Legislative Director Alice Tripp will be at the hearings tomorrow and she is going to testify in favor of CSHB700.

As I've said numerous times, neither NRA nor TSRA oppose the concept of open-carry and we (me included) will support a bill that does not amend TPC §30.06, or otherwise endanger past gains we've made on behalf of Texas gun owners. CSHB700 removes the harmful and dangerous amendments to TPC §30.06 and it removes the problematic "dual points of resistance" language, so it has our full support. It's still a very board bill and it will be necessary for Rep. Lavender to protect it against anti-gun amendments in committee and on the House floor, but we trust he will do so just as he made sure the committee substitute addressed our concerns.

Again, Alice Tripp will be testifying in favor of CSHB700.

Chas.