The 85th Texas legislative session, which ended on May 29, was a successful one for gun owners. In all, Gov. Greg Abbott signed seven pro-gun bills into law; all take effect on Sept. 1.
Senate Bill 16 reduces the cost to obtain a carry permit from $140 to $40 and reduces the price of a renewal permit from $70 to $40.
House Bill 1819 provides protection for gun owners purchasing a suppressor.
Senate Bill 263 repeals the minimum caliber requirement (.32) for demonstrating handgun proficiency during the range instruction portion of the carry permit course.
Senate Bill 1566 allows school employees with valid carry permits to transport and store firearms out of sight in their locked cars and trucks.
Senate Bill 2065 allows volunteers—including those with carry permits—providing security at places of worship to be exempt from the requirements of the Private Security Act.
House Bill 1935 repeals the prohibition of knives by eliminating them from the prohibited weapons section of the Texas Penal Code.
House Bill 3784 allows approved persons to offer an online course to cover the classroom portion of the required training for carry permits.
