Austin, TX — The Texas State Senate passed “constitutional carry” legislation with bipartisan support on Wednesday night.
With both Senate Bill 118 and House Bill 596 passed by their respective bodies, the legislature must now agree on the final text of the “constitutional carry” bill. After that is finalized, the bill heads to Governor John Bel Edwards’ desk.
Bel Edwards, an anti-gun Democrat, already promised to veto the watered-down legislation. There appear to be enough votes to override a veto, but Republicans will have to stick together to make that happen. A veto would almost certainly damage the political stock of Bel Edwards, who is term-limited.
Unlike other states that have passed true “constitutional carry” laws, House Bill 596 has some major issues.
The bill requires persons who are carrying a concealed firearm to notify police officers they are carrying AND submit to a pat-down. This provision risks creating a “stop and frisk” approach for dealing with law-abiding gun owners.
Utah, Montana, Iowa, and Tennessee all put “constitutional carry” laws on the books this year, bringing the total number of states with similar laws to 20.
The Texas State Senate joined Louisiana in passing a “constitutional carry” bill last night. With Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott supporting the legislation, Texas is slated to become the 21st “constitutional carry” state.
Quick Poll:
More from America’s Citizen Press
More you might like
