Eight NRA-Backed Bills Take Effect in Texas September 1st

Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist, stated, “We would like to thank Governor Perry for signing these bills.  The great state of Texas, once again, leads the way to protect and strengthen the rights of all law abiding citizens.”

Governor Perry, a longtime advocate for the Second Amendment, stated, “The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right of every law-abiding citizen in our country. This legislation will clarify existing firearms laws, enhance protections for law-abiding gun owners and reduce barriers for gun ownership.”

Gov. Perry signed:

• House Bill 225 (Driver) extends the renewal period for a concealed handgun license from four to five years without an increase renewal fee.
• House Bill 322 (Hupp) reduces all fees for a concealed handgun license for military members by 50% and lowers the age from 21 to 18 for members of the military to obtain a concealed handgun license.
• House Bill 685 (Rose) exempts military members and veterans from taking the range portion of the concealed handgun process if they had been weapons certified in the military within the past five years prior to application for the license.
• House Bill 1483 (Frost) expands methods by which applicants for a concealed handgun license may pay the fees to include check, cash, and credit card.  Currently, only cashiers checks and money orders are accepted.
• House Bill 823 (Keel) takes important steps toward clarifying law-abiding Texans’ rights to carry concealed handguns for protection in their vehicles without a permit.
• House Bill 1038 (Isett) reduces the fee for renewal of a concealed handgun permit for senior citizens by 50 %.
• House Bill 1831 (Talton) changes the terms of eligibility for a concealed handgun license.
• House Bill 1066 (amended into HB 225) (Hegar) increases the number of states eligible for reciprocity with Texas.

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