Texas House on Thursday passed a bill that would allow people to open handguns without permission. If passed, it would make Texas the nation’s largest state by allowing the transportation of guns without permission.
The bill is advancing through the Texas legislature despite opposition from local police chiefs, who said it endangers officers and allows citizens to carry weapons without proper training and controls.
The Republican-led State House passed the bill by 84-56 votes, mostly following the party line. More than 20 proposed amendments, mostly by House Democrats, failed to reach final legislation.
Under current Texas law, 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 or older to carry a gun (either hidden or open in a holster) without following these steps. It also says business owners should verbally communicate to customers if guns are not allowed in their businesses, rather than posting just a poster.
Restrictions would still apply to people convicted of felonies and domestic violence, and for carrying weapons to certain areas, including state hospitals and at sporting events.
The main sponsor of the bill, Republican State Representative Matt Schaffer, called it “constitutional” legislation and argued 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 press conference opposing the bill, arguing that citizens should have basic training and be aware of gun laws before of allowing them to carry.
“Gun owners have a duty to make sure their weapons are handled safely and a duty to know the applicable laws,” Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said. “The licensing process is the best way to make sure this message is conveyed,” he said the bill will also make police officers “less secure”.
The bill will have to be passed by the Texas Senate before it is signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who said last month that he wants to turn Texas into a “Second Amendment state.”
The Tennessee governor signed a similar bill last week, making it the 19th state to allow weapons without permission.
These bills come just the same the federal government pushes states to take tougher measures against guns after a wave of mass shootings across the country this year. A high-profile mass shooting occurred in Texas last week, when a gunman killed one person and wounded five others, including a state soldier, at a Bryan cabinet factory.