Governor Abbott Signs Permitless Carry Law

As of September 1st, 2021 no license will be required to carry a gun in Texas as Governor Greg Abbott signs the permitless carry into law.

According to the Texas Legislature’s website, the bill, known as HB 1927, will allow anyone older than 21 to carry a gun without a permit or license in Texas if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun. It also eliminates the requirement for firearms training to carry a gun in public.

Governor Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other Republicans were initially noncommittal about the bill but found themselves under a lot of political pressure this session from conservatives and gun rights advocates who have lobbied for a long time in support for permitless carry.

Proponents of what Republicans call “constitutional carry” argued that Texas should follow the lead of at least 20 other states with similar laws on the books. Meanwhile, gun control advocates are disappointed the Legislature made it easier to carry firearms after repeated instances of gun violence.

Get our free mobile app

Before approving the bill, the Senate tacked on several amendments to address concerns by law enforcement groups that opposed permitless carry, who say it would endanger officers and make it easier for criminals to get guns.

As a result, the Senate made some adjustments to the House bill, including: striking a provision that would have barred officers from questioning people based only on their possession of a handgun. It also preserves enhancing criminal penalties for felons and family violence offenders caught carrying. Among other Senate changes was a requirement that the Texas Department of Public Safety offer a free online course on gun safety.

For more information, click here.

There are a lot of people both for and against permitless carry. We would love for you to comment on how you feel about it!