The Texas Senate passed "permitless carry" or Constitutional Carry for the state of Texas. Now we are a little bit closer to getting that signed into law. Governor Abbott has already said that he will sign it if it comes to his desk. There are some administrative things that have to be done because the Senate added some amendments to the House version. The bill has to go back to the House for either them to approve with the additional amendments or modify it. What is Constitutional Carry? Constitutional Carry or "permitless carry" means a person can legally carry a concealed weapon or holstered open carry weapon without having a permit. Licensed to carry permits will still be available for people who wish to carry in other states that have reciprocity. The Democrats didn't respond well to the vote. Jose Menendez,(D-San Antonio) said, "I hope to God that what we do today does not result in a mistake that will have horrible consequences. I urge you to oppose this bill, which I believe will do more harm than good." The Democrats submitted 18 amendments that were all rejected by the Republicans. Some of the amendments were to require background checks on private transactions, create incentives to gun owners to promptly report stolen weapons and language to allow counties to opt out of Constitutional Carry. Eight Republican amendments were added including enhanced criminal penalties for a felony possession of a firearm from a third degree to a second degree felony with a minimum of five years in prison. Another change stripped out language that would allow business owners to deliver a verbal or written warning telling a gun owner that firearms are not allowed on premise. Instead business owners and private property owners can just post a sign as they do today for concealed carry or open carry. Either the House will accept all the changes that the Senate made and send it to Governor Abbott for his signature, or what is more likely, they will go into a conference committee of Senators and Representatives where they will hash out their differences. They will then need to have to present the revised bill to both houses again for another vote. We are running out of time because the legislative session ends May 31, and they won't meet again for another two years. Contact your Senator and Lt. Governor Patrick and encourage him/her to move this along. Click here. | 
