NRA-Backed Constitutional Carry Bill Passes in Texas

FAIRFAX, Va. - The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) today applauded the final passage of House Bill 1927, NRA-backed legislation that allows law-abiding Texans to carry a handgun for personal protection without paying a tax or obtaining a license from the state.

"A right requiring you to pay a tax or obtain a government permission slip is not a right at all, that’s why the NRA is proud to have worked closely with state leaders and legislators to pass the most significant pro-Second Amendment measure in Texas history," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Jason Ouimet. "Our members worked tirelessly to provide the crucial grassroots support to make constitutional carry a reality and restore the rights of law-abiding Texans."

HB 1927 does not affect previously issued ​Licenses to Carry and allows those who still wish to obtain a license in order to carry in states recognizing Texas permits to do so.  It also does not allow anyone prohibited under state or federal law from possessing a firearm to carry a firearm. 

"We’d like to thank bill author Rep. Matt Schaefer and his staff for their relentless efforts to pass HB 1927 this session," said Tara Mica, NRA state director for Texas. "We also thank House Speaker Dade Phelan, Senate sponsor Charles Schwertner, and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for their leadership on this landmark legislation."​

Once signed, Texas will become the 21st state, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming, to allow law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit.

The law will take effect on September 1, 2021.​

You may click here to view the conference report.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.