TexasCHLforum.com

Charles L. Cotton wrote:There seems to be a good bit of discussion about the subject matter that must be taught in a CHL class. There also seems to be a equal amount of misunderstanding as to what topics fall within the statutorily required subjects. The Code describes the subjects in very broad terms which leaves DPS discretion to select/develop material for the CHL course. This did not occur by accident; the intent was to give general guidance and to rely upon DPS to flesh out the course.

The required subjects are:
1) "laws related to weapons and the use of force."

• This isn't just deadly force; it's every single law related to carrying a handgun, including but not limited to off-limits locations, procedures/requirements for address changes, displaying a CHL when asked for ID, and so on.

Charles, if you have influence at all with DPS, you might try to get them to change their statement on their website. It clearly does not reflect the law with regard to the above. (I should have known better than to quote them instead of looking up the law myself, but I got lazy.)

JJVP wrote:I don't think proper handgun use; and safe and proper storage of handguns and ammunition is what needs to be covered at all in a CHL class. Those topics belong on a firearm safety class. The only requirements for the CHL class are non-violent dispute resolution, use of force, and CHL laws.

Don't argue with me. Argue with DPS - https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/RSD/CHL/faqs/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are four (4) required topics: use of force; non violent dispute resolution; handgun use; and safe and proper storage of handguns and ammunition. Additional topics may be taught as well.

You'll notice, I hope, that CHL laws are NOT included.

The_Busy_Mom wrote:

Crossfire wrote:I am not real concerned about the loss of revenue from renewal students.

What I AM concerned about is making it through the summer. Students have cancelled classes right and left for May and June so they can wait for the shorter class in September. So, we might be taking the summer off in preparation for the September stampede.

I am also concerned that DPS will not be quick in responding to this change, and we will be scrambling to figure out how to manage the same class material in a shorter time, while still meeting DPS requirements.

I haven't had any cancellations, but I am making sure that I have at least a break-even point for my summer classes. I'm getting into prep mode for that September stampede as well. I just don't see where I am going to be able to really cut down the curriculum without teaching the test. It's do-able, I know, but really hard when you think all the information is good information!

TBM

Think about what you are required to teach as opposed to what you think it's good for the students to know. Use of force; non violent dispute resolution; handgun use; and safe and proper storage of handguns and ammunition are all that's required. The rest is fluff. Handgun use and safe and proper storage of handguns shouldn't take more than an hour.

That leaves you an hour and a half each for use of force and non violent dispute resolution. IMO both should get equal time. Note that there is no requirement to teach chl laws regarding prohibited locations, proper behavior in public, types of holsters, types of weapons, forms of concealment, and all those types of things that commonly get covered.

If I were an instructor, I would put together a small booklet about things you should know about having a CHL that I am not required to teach. I would hand that out at the end of every class along with the DPS TEXAS CONCEALED HANDGUN LAWS AND SELECTED STATUTES. And I would tell them, it is your responsibility as a CHL licensee to know all the laws and to fully understand your responsibilities. These booklets should serve as a reference and guide to assist you in learning what you need to know.

At the beginning I would cover handgun use and safe and proper storage. I would ask for a show of hands; how many have never touched a gun before? How many feel comfortable that they are handling guns in a safe manner? Then I would state that the goal of this hour is to get every one of you to the point that you will never handle a gun in an unsafe manner.

Next I would do non violent dispute resolution. I would finish with use of force. That way the class begins by stressing proper and safe handling of firearms, leads into non violent dispute resolution (because I just taught them how serious firearm ownership is and how easily someone can be hurt through improper handling and therefore deadly force should be a deliberate choice as well as the last resort.) Then, the last section of the class would be structured like this: You've learned proper handling and safety, you've learned how to avoid violent encounters, now let's talk about what you can and should do and what the law permits you to do when you have no options left and must use deadly force.

I'd probably do the range work between non violent dispute resolution and use of force. So, class begins at 8:30. Break at 9:30. Resume at 9:45 and go to 11:15 with a break at the half-way point. Break for lunch. Meet at the range at 1:15. Shoot until done. Resume class for 1 and 1/2 hours to complete the use of force section. Then administer the test and hand out certificates.