Update on Texas Firearms Legislation (HB 1815 & SB 534)!

This morning, Wednesday, May 23, House Bill 1815 by Representative Carl Isett (R-Lubbock) and Senator Juan Hinojosa (D-McAllen) was given final approval on the Senate Local Calendar.

This important NRA-supported measure will clarify, once and for all, that it is legal to transport a handgun in your motor vehicle for personal protection without a Concealed Handgun License (CHL), provided you are eligible to possess the firearm under state and federal law, you are not a member of a criminal street gang, you are not committing any criminal activity at the time (other than a traffic violation,) and as long as the handgun is hidden from plain view.  

HB 1815 now heads to Governor Rick Perry (R) for his expected signature!  Please take a moment to email a note of thanks to the bill sponsors for their hard work at [email protected] and [email protected].  

On Tuesday, May 22, the last day for possible floor consideration, the House failed to take up Senate Bill 534, sponsored by Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) and Representative Patrick Rose (R-Dripping Springs) for a final vote.  This NRA-supported bill would have allowed Concealed Handgun Licensees (CHLs) to transport and store their handguns in locked motor vehicles while parked on their employers' property.  More than 70 other bills died on the last House calendar, as debate and action on measures slowed to a crawl while battle looms ahead for leadership of the House.  NRA-ILA will bring this key legislation back next session and work to pass it with your help!

Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org for updates on firearms issues in Texas and around the nation.