The Texas House on Thursday passed a bill allowing people to open handguns without a permit. If approved, it would make Texas the largest state in the country to allow towels without permission.
The bill is advancing through the Texas legislature, despite opposition from local police chiefs, who say it endangers officers and could cause citizens to carry on without proper training and investigation.
The IDP-led State House passed the bill in 84-56 votes, mostly along party lines. More than 20 proposed amendments, mostly from House Democrats, could not make it into the final legislation.
Under current Texas legislation, residents must obtain a permit to carry a handgun, which requires a training class, shooting class, written exam and an application fee of up to $ 40.
The bill would allow anyone 21 years of age or older to carry a gun – hidden or openly in a holster – without complying with the steps. It also says that business owners should tell customers orally if weapons are not allowed in their businesses, rather than just placing a sign.
Restrictions continue to apply to people convicted of crimes and domestic violence, and to the transportation of guns in certain areas, including state hospitals and at sporting events.
The main sponsor of the bill, IDP State Representative Matt Schaffer, calls it legislation with ‘constitutional bearing’ and argues that many people do not have the time and money to get a permit.
Earlier this week, a group of Texas police chiefs held a news conference opposing the bill, arguing that citizens should have basic training and awareness of gun laws before they can wear them.
“Gun owners have a duty to ensure that their guns are handled safely and a duty to know applicable laws,” said Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia. “The licensing process is the best way to ensure that this message is conveyed.” He says the bill will also make police officers ‘less safe’. ”
The bill must then be approved by the Texas Senate before it can potentially be signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who said last month that he wants to make Texas a “Second Amendment.”
The governor of Tennessee last week signed a similar bill, making it the 19th state to carry the powerless rifle.
These accounts come as the federal government urges states to take stricter action against guns following a wave of mass shootings across the country this year. A notorious mass shooting took place in Texas just last week when a gunman killed one person and wounded five others – including a state trooper – in a cabinet factory in Bryan.