Texas Hb 1927: Law Implementation Date

Texas House Bill 1927, also known as the Firearm Carry Act, was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on August 11, 2021, and came into effect on September 1, 2021. The bill eliminates the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm. This means that anyone over the age of 21 (or 18 if serving in the military) with a clean criminal record can carry a handgun, either concealed or openly in a holster, in non-prohibited public places in Texas.

Texas HB 1927 will allow those over 21 to carry a firearm without a license

Texas House Bill 1927, also known as the Firearm Carry Act, allows Texas residents who are 21 or older to carry a firearm without a license. The bill was passed on June 16, 2021, and came into effect on September 1, 2021, after being signed by Governor Greg Abbott.

Under the new law, Texas residents over the age of 21 who are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm are allowed to carry a handgun in public places, either concealed or openly in a holster. However, it is important to note that there are still restrictions on where firearms can be carried. Places such as schools, courthouses, airports, bars, and sporting events are considered prohibited places, and carrying a firearm in these locations can result in legal consequences.

Additionally, the bill maintains certain restrictions for those with a criminal record. Individuals who have been convicted of certain misdemeanors in the previous five years, including assault causing bodily injury, deadly conduct, terroristic threat, and disorderly conduct with a firearm, are prohibited from carrying handguns outside of their property or vehicle.

The bill also includes increased penalties for illegal possession of firearms by certain classes of people, such as those with a felony conviction or a Class A misdemeanor for family violence.

It is worth noting that Texas HB 1927 does not change the requirements for purchasing a firearm, which are still governed by federal and state laws. Furthermore, private property owners have the option to restrict patrons from carrying firearms on their premises.

While HB 1927 removes the requirement for a license to carry a handgun in Texas, it is important for residents to stay informed about the specific restrictions and conditions of the law to ensure safe and legal firearm possession and carrying practices.

The bill was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott

On June 16, 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1927 into law. The bill eliminated the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they are not barred by state or federal law from possessing a gun. The bill was passed by the Texas House in an 82-62 vote and was expected to be approved by the Senate soon after.

Governor Abbott had previously stated that he would sign such a "constitutional carry" proposal into law. The bill was authored by Rep. Matt Schaefer, who, along with the Senate sponsor, Sen. Charles Schwertner, announced the deal in a statement.

The bill allows those aged 21 and above, who can legally possess a firearm, to carry a handgun—either concealed or openly in a holster—in non-prohibited public places. However, it is important to note that there are still restrictions on where handguns can be carried, and private property owners can choose to restrict patrons from carrying firearms on their premises.

The bill also includes increased penalties for illegal possession of firearms by certain classes of people, such as those with felony convictions or Class A misdemeanors for family violence. Additionally, it requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to offer a free online course on gun safety.

With Governor Abbott's signature, Texas became the 21st state to allow for the unlicensed or permitless carrying of firearms. The bill went into effect on September 1, 2021.

It will come into effect on September 1, 2021

Texas House Bill 1927, also known as the Firearm Carry Act, will come into effect on September 1, 2021. The bill eliminates the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm. This means that anyone over the age of 21 (or 18 if serving in the military) with a clean criminal record will be able to carry a handgun, either concealed or openly in a holster, in non-prohibited public places.

It is important to note that there are still restrictions on where handguns can be carried. Places such as schools, courthouses, airports, correctional facilities, and sporting events are still off-limits for handgun carry. Additionally, private property owners have the right to restrict patrons from carrying firearms on their premises.

The bill also addresses penalties for unlawful carry, with convictions resulting in a Class A misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, depending on the location. Furthermore, HB 1927 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to offer a free online course on gun safety and handling.

The passing of HB 1927 is a significant development in Texas gun laws, and it remains to be seen what impact it will have on public safety and the rights of gun owners in the state.

The bill eliminates the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns

Texas' House Bill 1927, also known as the Firearm Carry Act, eliminates the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they are not barred by state or federal law from possessing a gun. The bill, authored by Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, and sponsored by Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, was passed by the state House and Senate in May 2021 and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on September 1, 2021.

The bill allows those aged 21 and over who can legally possess a firearm to carry a handgun, either concealed or openly in a holster, in non-prohibited public places. However, it is important to note that there are still restrictions on where handguns can be carried. Prohibited places include schools, courts, airports past security, bars, sporting events, correctional facilities, civil commitment facilities, amusement parks, and governmental open meetings. Carrying a handgun while intoxicated is also prohibited, except on one's own property, in one's vehicle, or with the consent of another property or vehicle owner.

The bill also includes increased penalties for illegal possession of firearms by certain classes of people, such as those with a felony conviction or a Class A misdemeanor for family violence. Additionally, it provides protections for foster parents who can legally possess firearms, allowing them to carry handguns while transporting foster children in a vehicle.

The passage of HB 1927 was a significant step towards "constitutional carry" in Texas, as it removed the license requirement for carrying handguns. However, it is important to note that there are still restrictions and prohibitions in place to regulate the carrying of handguns in the state.

The bill increases penalties for illegal possession of firearms

Texas' HB 1927, also known as the Firearm Carry Act, increases the penalties for illegal possession of firearms by certain classes of people. While the bill does not affect the right to bear arms for those who are legally allowed to possess firearms, it does increase the penalties for those who are not.

The bill increases the penalty for felons in possession of a firearm to a second-degree felony, with a minimum sentence of five years. This is an increase from the previous penalty, which was a third-degree felony.

Additionally, the bill increases the penalty for individuals who have been convicted of a Class A misdemeanour involving family violence. The exact nature of the increased penalty is unclear, but it is mentioned that it applies to individuals who are subject to specific orders, such as a family violence protective order, after notice and before the expiration of the order.

The bill also increases the penalty for individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law. These individuals include those convicted of certain felonies, certain assault offences, and those who are the subject of a protective order.

It is important to note that the bill does not grant the right to possess firearms to anyone who is currently prohibited by state or federal law. The bill only increases the penalties for those who illegally possess firearms.

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