New Gun Laws Go Into Effect

The Texas Legislature passed a record number of pro-gun measures before adjourning its 2013 regular session on Memorial Day.  A number of these new laws took effect September 1: SB 1907 by state Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) and state Representative Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington) prohibits public and private colleges and universities from adopting administrative rules banning the possession, transportation and storage of lawfully-owned firearms and ammunition in private motor vehicles by students and visitors with Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHLs). SB 299 by state Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) and state Representative Kenneth Sheets (R-Dallas) protects CHLs against charges of unlawful carry for the accidental display of a handgun.

SB 864 by state Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) and state Representative Dan Flynn (R-Canton) reduces the minimum number of required classroom training hours for an original CHL from 10-15 to 4-6 hours, making it far more convenient for license applicants to exercise their right to self-defense.  HB 48 by state Representative Flynn and state Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) streamlines the process for renewal of a CHL by eliminating the continuing education requirement and handgun proficiency demonstration.  License holders would still be required to renew their licenses every five years, but they would be provided an informational form regarding firearm and deadly force laws, which must be signed and submitted with the renewal application.—courtesy National Rifle Association