Congratulations Texas Members!

Congratulations Texas NRA Members! Governor Rick Perry (R) has signed into law NRA-backed SB 501 by Senator Ken Armbrister (D-Victoria) and Representative Suzanna Hupp (R-Lampasas). SB 501 amends the state criminal trespass law that cities and counties were using to circumvent legislative authority and ban concealed handgun licensees (CHLs) from public property not otherwise off-limits to them under Texas` Right To Carry law. Special thanks go out to Lt. Governor David Dewhurst (R) and Speaker Tom Craddick (R) for helping shepherd this significant legislation through their respective chambers. Governor Perry also signed the following NRA-supported measures: HB 284, by Representative Dan Ellis (D-Livingston) and Senator Todd Staples (R-Palestine), exempts possession of a handgun in a recreational vehicle from the unlawful carry provisions of the Penal Code. HB 1704 by Representative Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) and Senator Kyle Janek (R-Houston) allows new Texas residents to apply for a CHL earlier than currently provided by law and will also allow non-resident Texas CHLs to keep their license even after their home state passes a Right To Carry law. HB 3477 by Representative Jack Stick (R-Austin) and Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) will facilitate more CHL reciprocal agreements between Texas and other states by transferring authority to negotiate such agreements from DPS to the Attorney General`s and Governor`s offices. Thanks to your e-mails and calls in support of these important bills, this was the most successful legislative session yet for Texas gun owners!