June 5, 2021
On May 27, 2021, the Texas legislature passed H.B. 1927, the Firearm Carry Act of 2021. H.B. 1927 would allow persons who are at least twenty-one years old, are not prohibited by federal or state law from possessing firearms, and are not intoxicated, to carry a handgun concealed or openly (in a holster) without the need for a license. There are various specified locations at which a person may not carry a handgun, including schools, courts, hospitals, and correctional facilities. In addition, private businesses can prohibit the carrying of handguns by posting a notice in compliance with the law’s requirements. Texas will continue to issue licenses to carry concealed handguns. The legislation was transmitted to Governor Abbott on May 28, 2021 and he has advised that he intends to sign it. If he does so, on September 1, 2021, Texas will join a growing list of states recognizing the right to carry a handgun for purposes of self-defense without the need for a license, including Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Renzulli Law Firm, LLP is continuing to monitor gun control legislation. If you have any questions regarding gun control laws, please contact John F. Renzulli or Christopher Renzulli.