Second Amendment Rights
The 87th Session was a banner session for Second Amendment rights in Texas. Along with the constitutional carry bill, several other bills were passed that recognize the right to bear arms.
The Firearm Carry Act of 2021 - HOUSE BILL 1927 recognizes the right of Texans to openly carry a handgun without having to obtain a license, provided they are at least 21 years old and are otherwise permitted under law to own a handgun. “Constitutional carry” has long been a goal of Texas conservatives and its passage into law is a hallmark accomplishment of the 87th Legislature.
HOUSE BILL 918 permits a person who is at least 18 years of age, is protected under a court order relating to family violence or other domestic issue, and who would otherwise be eligible for a handgun license to obtain a license that displays a protective order designation. This allows certain eligible people under the age of 21 to obtain a protective order handgun license.
HOUSE BILL 1500 ensures that neither the governor, nor local governments, can prohibit or restrict the operations of a firearms or ammunitions manufacturer, retailer, or shooting range during a declared state of disaster.
HOUSE BILL 2622 the Second Amendment Sanctuary State Act, prohibits any state agency, political subdivision, or law enforcement agency from enforcing certain federal regulations on firearms or ammunition that are not in state law.
HOUSE BILL 1407 closes a loophole in current law by permitting a license holder to have a handgun visible in their vehicle, regardless of whether the handgun is on their person, provided the handgun is in a holster inside the vehicle.
SENATE BILL 741 authorizes any school marshal employed in a public school district or open-enrollment charter school to carry a concealed handgun on the physical premises where the marshal works, irrespective of the marshal’s primary duties.
HOUSE BILL 957 prohibits the adoption of a rule, order, ordinance, or policy that enforces or allows enforcement of federal laws on firearm suppressors. An entity that violates that prohibition would be denied any state grant funds.
SENATE BILL 19 ensures that any company in Texas with a policy restricting gun or ammunition sales cannot obtain state benefits from tax dollars or state contracts. Companies who discriminate against the firearms industry will not receive state benefits.