Posted on 09/14/2013 6:53:10 AM PDT by RKBA Democrat
I like Texas. Nice people, good state. But one thing that continues to puzzle me is why Texas handgun carry laws are so, well, pathetic. Here is a summary of the requirements for getting a concealed handgun permit: (IANAL so don't take this as legal advice):
Fee: $140 for 5 yrs. Training: In person, at least 4-6 hours, with shooting exam, by TX certified instructor. Fingerprints: required. Photo: required. Open carry: prohibited.
Let's contrast that with some "liberal" states:
Pennsylvania: Fee: $19 Training: Not required. Fingerprints: None required. Photo: Passport photo required in some places. Open carry: legal, except you'll be harassed in Philly.
Vermont: No permit required to carry openly or concealed.
Wisconsin: Fee: $40 Training: Required, but can be obtained for free. Fingerprints: None required. Photo: Not required. Open carry: legal.
So what's with Texas? Its laws for carry of firearms are becoming more comparable with those of Illinois. And it's not an idle question for those of us in VA, since the nonresident permit issued by VA is being used as an alternative to the TX resident permit.
And Texas has a balanced budget—law requires it.
And the Texas legislatures meet once every two-years for about 140 days. . .enough time to do important stuff but not enough time to really get into mischief and meddle.
Then they arbitrarily deny your permit, if you are not in a rural county, or connected.
“It was a good article and thanks for posting, but it still begs the question: the gop has been in control in TX for the last 19-20 years. And the gun laws still suck. I realize that rome wasn’t built in a day, but 20 years?”
It has really only been about 11 years. Quite a few incremental improvements have been made during that period.
Thanks for the information, Johnny. I hope you and Texas are able to accomplish this great work.
I looked at the cost for the Texas CHL and got Florida’s instead. No training rqmt for Vets.
Thanks for the insight. I’ve actually given some thought of relocating there in the future, but there are a few things like the gun laws that make it something of a nonstarter.
I wish VA would ditch it’s income tax, but I don’t see it happening.
/johnny
South Dakota (not liberal) $10 for 4 yr permit, basic background check - and you don’t pay the $10 if you don’t pass the background check.
No training. No range requirement.
However, last year they did pass a requirement that if you have to take a hunter safety course for a hunting permit, but still nothing for a CCW.
But you don’t have to pay personal income tax in TX. CA personal income tax is very high as is sales tax.
It’d be hell getting an M-1 Garand out of that bottom drop slot bin.
You don’t know how to field-strip?
I was living in Texas when it passed, and it was a big deal. Texas was one of the first states after Florida to pass a CCW law. I think that pretty much explains it.
“South Dakota (not liberal) $10 for 4 yr permit, basic background check - and you don’t pay the $10 if you don’t pass the background check.”
Wyoming- not liberal, either. Constitutional carry. Same with AZ, AK, VT, and recently AR. Seem to be going from both ends of the alphabet. Hopefully that means VA is up soon!
You betcha’.
“I was living in Texas when it passed, and it was a big deal. Texas was one of the first states after Florida to pass a CCW law. I think that pretty much explains it.”
It WAS a big deal. And I was tickled that they got it when they did. But that was then, this is now.
Every state including IL has some provision for CC at this point. MD, HI, CA, NJ and some other states make it impossible or close to it to obtain a permit, but it’s now nationwide.
“It’d be hell getting an M-1 Garand out of that bottom drop slot bin.”
True dat.
Nothing like telling a Texan they aren't as good at something as a bunch of yankees. ;)
Hat tip to RKBA Democrat for the list of yankee states.
/johnny
What? You might lose a thumbnail? ;)
/johnny
Kind of hard to load farm land in a Uhaul, but when I retire I'm tempted to move. By the way, I helped get the concealed carry referendum on the ballot in my county so I am trying to improve the situation.
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