Isabella Carter
On June 16, 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 into law, which took effect on September 1, 2021. The Act, also known as House Bill 1927, allows anyone who can legally possess a firearm in Texas to carry a holstered handgun in public without a permit. The bill was referred to by Abbott as the biggest and best of them all, with Republicans arguing that it appropriately expands gun rights under the Second Amendment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Bill | House Bill 1927 |
| Other Names | Permitless Carry, Constitutional Carry, Firearm Carry Act of 2021 |
| Signed By | Texas Governor Greg Abbott |
| Date | June 16, 2021 |
| Effective Date | September 1, 2021 |
| State | Texas |
| Status | 21st state to institute constitutional carry |
| Key Provisions | Eliminates the requirement to obtain a carry permit for handguns; allows Texans to carry firearms in any kind of holster they choose; businesses can prohibit guns by posting a sign; removes 90% of the restrictions against Constitutional Carry |
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What You'll Learn
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 into law
- House Bill 1927 allows Texans to carry holstered handguns without a permit
- Businesses can prohibit guns by posting a '30.05' sign
- Texas Democrats denounce the bill, saying it will increase gun violence
- The bill removes the requirement for training to carry a handgun
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 into law
On June 16, 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 into law, which came into effect on September 1, 2021. The Act, also known as House Bill 1927, allows Texans to carry holstered handguns in public without a permit.
The bill's passage means that Texas joins at least 20 other states in allowing "constitutional carry", where residents can carry handguns without a permit. Proponents of the bill, including Republicans and gun rights supporters, argue that it appropriately expands gun rights under the Second Amendment. During the bill-signing ceremony, Governor Abbott stated, "Today, I signed documents that instill freedom in the Lone Star State."
House Bill 1927 allows anyone 21 years or older, who can legally possess a firearm in Texas, to carry a handgun in public without a permit. Prior to the bill, Texas state law mandated that residents aged 21 or older complete the required training and criminal background check to obtain a license to carry. Now, while a license is no longer required, individuals must be 21 or older to carry a handgun and the firearm must be kept in a holster when in public.
The Firearm Carry Act of 2021 also includes other provisions related to gun rights and public safety. For example, the bill directs the Texas Department of Public Safety to create a free, online gun safety course, although training is no longer mandatory to carry a handgun. Additionally, businesses can prohibit guns on their premises by posting a sign. The Act also includes Senate Bill 19, which prohibits government contracts with entities that discriminate against the firearm industry, and Senate Bill 20, which prevents hotels from implementing restrictive gun policies.
While the bill was celebrated by gun rights supporters, it was denounced by Texas Democrats and gun control activists, who argued that it would increase gun violence and make it easier for criminals to obtain firearms. Critics also expressed concern that the bill was passed without the implementation of bipartisan gun control measures following multiple mass shootings in the state.
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House Bill 1927 allows Texans to carry holstered handguns without a permit
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1927, also known as the "constitutional carry" or "permitless carry" bill, into law on June 16, 2021. The bill allows Texans to carry holstered handguns in public without a permit, provided they are over 21 years old. It took effect on September 1, 2021, and Texas became the 21st state to institute constitutional carry.
The bill removes the licensing and training requirements for carrying a handgun in public. However, the Texas Department of Public Safety is directed to create a free, online gun safety course. While training is no longer mandatory, it is still recommended that individuals seeking to carry a firearm undergo proper training to ensure safe handling.
Under House Bill 1927, businesses can prohibit guns on their premises by posting a sign. Additionally, there is a mandatory five-year sentence for carrying a firearm in public if forbidden to do so. The bill also includes other provisions, such as the removal of shoulder or belt holster requirements, allowing Texans to choose their preferred type of holster.
Supporters of the bill, including Republicans and gun rights advocates, argue that it aligns Texas with at least 20 other states that have similar laws and appropriately expands gun rights under the Second Amendment. They believe that it restores the original intent of the Constitution regarding the carry of weapons. Governor Abbott referred to the bill as "the biggest and best of them all" during the signing ceremony.
However, Texas Democrats and gun control activists have denounced the bill, arguing that it will increase gun violence and make it easier for criminals to obtain firearms. They expressed concern that the bill was passed despite multiple mass shootings in the state and criticized the lack of bipartisan support for gun control measures. Progress Texas Executive Director Ed Espinoza highlighted the irony that "in passing permitless carry, Republicans are saying that you no longer need a license to carry a gun, but you still need one to vote."
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Businesses can prohibit guns by posting a '30.05' sign
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 into law on June 16, 2021, allowing Texans to carry handguns without a permit. However, businesses can prohibit guns on their premises by posting a 30.05 sign at each entrance, as outlined in Section 30.05 of the Texas Penal Code. This sign must be displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public and should include specific language.
The 30.05 sign, which came into effect on September 1, 2021, allows businesses to prohibit the unlicensed carry of handguns on their premises. It is important to note that this sign only applies to those carrying without a Texas License to Carry (LTC) or other recognized license or permit. Businesses wishing to prohibit the licensed carry of handguns must also post the 30.06 and 30.07 signs, which ban concealed and open carry, respectively.
The legal requirement for the 30.05 sign has been simplified to ensure it is reasonably likely to be noticed by individuals entering the area where firearms are prohibited. The sign must include the following language: "Pursuant to Section 30.05, Penal Code (criminal trespass), a person may not enter this property with a firearm." This statement must be displayed in both English and Spanish, using contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height.
By posting the 30.05 sign, businesses can effectively communicate their wishes to prohibit firearms on their premises. It is important for gun owners to respect these signs and refrain from carrying firearms into areas where they are not permitted. Failure to comply with these signs may result in legal consequences, such as trespassing charges.
It is worth noting that there are certain places, such as hospitals, racetracks, and amusement parks, that are considered "prohibited places" for firearms under the Penal Code. These places have different rules and regulations regarding signage. Therefore, it is always advisable for property owners to consult with an attorney to ensure they are complying with the relevant laws and posting the appropriate signage.
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Texas Democrats denounce the bill, saying it will increase gun violence
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 into law on June 16, 2021, allowing Texans to carry holstered handguns in public without a permit. The law came into effect on September 1, 2021.
Texas Democrats and gun control activists have denounced the bill, arguing that it will increase gun violence in the state and make it easier for criminals to obtain guns. Ed Espinoza, the Executive Director of Progress Texas, criticized the bill, stating that "In passing permitless carry, Republicans are saying that you no longer need a license to carry a gun, but you still need one to vote."
Democrats have also expressed frustration over the Legislature's failure to pass bipartisan gun control measures following multiple mass shootings in the state. They argue that the bill will not make Texas safer and will instead lead to more gun-related crimes and violence.
In response to concerns about gun violence, Republicans argue that the bill restores the Second Amendment rights of Texans and aligns the state with at least 20 other states that have similar laws. They believe that the bill appropriately expands gun rights and promotes public safety.
However, Democrats remain steadfast in their opposition to the bill, calling for stronger gun control measures and comprehensive background checks to address the issue of gun violence in Texas. They believe that the bill falls short of taking the necessary steps to prevent future mass shootings and keep communities safe.
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The bill removes the requirement for training to carry a handgun
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 into law on June 16, 2021, which came into effect on September 1, 2021. The Act's centerpiece was House Bill 1927, which allows Texans to carry a handgun without a license or permit.
Before the bill was passed, Texas law required a four- to six-hour training course, as well as a written exam and a shooting proficiency demonstration, to obtain a license to carry a handgun. The bill directs the Texas Department of Public Safety to create a free, online gun safety course, but this is not mandatory.
The bill has sparked debates and discussions among Texas residents, law enforcement, and gun advocates. Republicans, who call the bill "constitutional carry," argue that the measure puts Texas in line with at least 20 other states with similar laws and appropriately expands gun rights under the Second Amendment. Democrats and gun control activists, however, have denounced the bill, saying it would increase gun violence and make it easier for criminals to obtain guns.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, on June 16, 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 into law, which came into effect on September 1, 2021.
The constitutional carry bill, also known as House Bill 1927, allows Texans to carry holstered handguns in public without a permit. It also removes the licensing and training requirements for Texans 21 years or older to carry a pistol.
Republicans argue that the bill appropriately expands gun rights under the Second Amendment and puts Texas in line with at least 20 other states with similar laws. Democrats and gun control activists, on the other hand, have denounced the bill, stating that it would increase gun violence in Texas and make it easier for criminals to obtain firearms.
