Constitutional Carry is rolling out in the Lone Star State this week.
Starting Sept. 1st, under the Firearm Act of 2021, law-abiding Texans may carry openly or concealed without a permit.
More specifically, any Texan 21 years or older who is not a prohibited person and has not been convicted of domestic violence, assault causing bodily harm, disorderly conduct with a firearm and making terroristic threats may bear arms freely in public.
Prohibitions on where one can carry remain in effect, however. Certain locales like airports, government courts, school campuses, polling places during elections will remain gun-free zones.
Private businesses also retain the right to ban guns in their stores. But they need to place signage at the door designating their gun-free zone status.
While this is a welcome change for many Texans, some remain skeptical as to the long-term consequences of permitless carry despite the fact that 18 other states have passed similar laws over the years and have not witnessed the uptick in violence that critics predicted.
SEE ALSO: Constitutional Carry Gaining Steam? Nine States Consider Lifting License Requirements
“Constitutional carry means anyone can carry a gun and we cannot question them, which should be a problem to everyone,” said Douglas Griffith, the President of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, in an interview with ABC 13.
“License to carry, conceal carry, we have no issues with that,” he continued. “It is allowing those untrained individuals to walk around with a firearm. It is detrimental to the entire public.”
Under the new law, the Dept. of Public Safety must offer a free online gun safety course. Though it’s not mandatory, it’s a helpful reference to those who are new to firearms.
At least one local gun dealer in Houston is urging newbies to consider professional training to ensure they don’t run afoul of the law.
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse. There are still rules on where you can and cannot carry, and constitutional carry does not grant any amnesty for those,” Kyle Harrison with Top Gun said. “So if you walk into a place that is prohibited, you could potentially be charged with a crime.”
In your opinion, how much training do you think one needs before they can safely and responsibly bear arms outside the home?
Freedom is dangerous
Too dangerous for some posting in these comments.
As for the irresponsible they will weed themselves out pretty quickly.
You dont seem to have 22 long Bullrts would like some Hollow P0ints
The article keeps saying “Texans can”, but does not mention whether the law also applies to visitors from other states.
Does it? Or are those of us from other states still going to be under the non-Constitutional-Carry rules when in Texas?
I’m so jealous. I go through so much bull shit to renew my CCW every other year. It’s getting to the point where I have spent thousands of dollars. On background check , training courses, fees to DOJ and Sheriff department. Just to exercise a fundamental right. What other amendment or part of the Bill of Rights is put to the same scrutiny? Freedom comes with personal responsibility. It shouldn’t be up to the state to decide. I took it upon my self to train on my own. I try to practice with my carry gun often even though it’s hard and expensive to get ammo behind enemy lines.
Sorry but I disagree with the passage of this law. I believe if you are going to carry then there needs to be some level of certified basic training. This law negates that requirement within the state. Our CCW licensing provides it, although I believe the level of that training is insufficient. I believe an individual needs at least 16-24 hours of training in the rules, regulations, and actual firing practice in simulations before carrying in public. I don’t disagree that they have a right to carry but I would feel safer knowing that if they are carrying, they at least have some training to back them up.
I live in Texas and I agree with Marc. When I moved here and got my Texas CCP I was impressed that there was a requirement to show proficiency with the weapon, it was bare-bones and didn’t really prove anything, out of around 15 “student’s” I was without a doubt the only one who had any actual experience or training. The girl shooting next to me whose boyfriend bought her a gun had a failure to eject and I swear this is true, the instructor had no idea how to clear it! He was looking for a screwdriver to pry the case out. I asked her permission to clear the weapon, I dropped the mag and racked the slid to lock and shook the empty out. I swear this is true.
If I had my way this law would never have passed without a requirement to get training from a licensed trainer. A real trainer.
But we have the law so we will see. I fully expect to see most businesses put up the no-guns allowed sign and frankly don’t blame them.
And before yawl give me shit, I’m a former Marine, former LEO, and competitive shooter. I know guns and what I speak of.
If you are depending upon any state’s CCL training to make you competent with your CC weapon you will be sadly disappointed.
Like so many other things the necessary training and proficiency is a personal responsibility.
Why not have mandatory training before allowing folks to vote?
Or before you exercise your right to free speech?
Or any of our other inalienable rights?
You nailed this one.
I was all prepared for the chaos. BBQ grill going, cold beer sweating, chips all played out. And nothing. No shooting, no sirens, no screaming in the streets, nothing. Just like when Open Carry went into effect.
A friend (JK) that I met in the USMC lived in TX until he passed away a short time ago. JK who was an outstanding Marine told me that carry laws habits in TX become very casual years ago with LE and documentation.
I know that the Illinois CC classes are very basic training forum. As a veteran I could have gone through the 1 day requirment but paid a little more and went through the 2 day required classes. I did NOT have to put my DD-214 into the wind since I did NOT seek a veteran recognition. During the two days I saw plenty of students handling their firearms in a manner that made me cringe.
I do see value in training but the bottom line is that these basic classes do NOT make safe and proficent shooters in 1 or 2 days. The classes are essentially a revenue stream and TX is no less safe with this reduction in legal requirments and no less safe than IL going forward.
Missouri has had constitutional carry for a few years now. Nice to see Texas is catching up with some of the other states in the Union.