Tomorrow, May 23, the House Federalism and Interstate Relations Committee will be hearing “proponent” testimony on House Bill 201. This legislation, sponsored by state Representatives Ron Hood (R-78) and Thomas Brinkman, Jr. (R-27), would repeal the existing provision of law which requires individuals to have a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in order to carry a concealed handgun.
While HB 201 would repeal the requirement to obtain a license in order to carry concealed, the current CHL system will be left intact for those who wish to participate in reciprocal concealed carry permit agreements. Further, HB 201 would remove the requirement that a licensee notify a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed handgun when stopped for a law enforcement purpose.
The committee will also be holding a third hearing for House Bill 142 and accepting “interested party” testimony. Sponsored by state Representative Scott Wiggam (R-1), HB 142 would also remove the requirement that a concealed handgun licensee notify a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed handgun when stopped for a law enforcement purpose, like a routine traffic stop.
By proposing to eliminate the “duty to inform” requirement, both HB 201 and HB 142 are acknowledging a simple human behavior; when pulled over, most individuals are not thinking about the “duty to inform” requirement. Most are contemplating what particular driving action may have resulted in their detainment, whether it be for speeding or another type of moving violation. To add another element in the “traffic stop” process for the driver is confusing at best and may result in an unintended criminal penalty and an additional fine.
Stay tuned to www.nraila.org for further updates on these important bills.
More Like This From Around The NRA
