As of September 1, 2021, Texas will join a group of states which no longer require one to have a permit to carry, both public or concealed. Texas Constitutional Carry essentially means permit-less gun carry is allowed. Before, a Texan would be required to undergo a rigorous process to obtain a License to Carry which would allow them to carry both publicly or concealed. Under the newly legislated Texas constitutional carry law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, anyone who meets the new requirements can get a hold of a handgun/firearm as long as they follow the guidelines set.By eliminating the need for a License to Carry with the new legislation, access to firearms has never been easier. But before you’re let loose, there are some things to take into consideration.Who is eligible?The Texas constitutional carry law is not that different from the current regulations set in place already. Anyone currently under 21 years of age cannot take advantage of this new law. Another is anyone who has committed felonies or specific assaults/offenses which would have to be reviewed in detail. Also, if you are deemed to not be competent mentally and do not have sound judgment, you too will not be allowed to take advantage of the new law.Essentially, anyone who was barred from carrying a handgun before the new law because they do not qualify for a License to Carry, still cannot carry a handgun after the new Texas Constitutional Carry law.Wait….So, who does it affect then?Well, anyone who qualifies to apply for a License to Carry and hasn’t got one yet, is now able to carry a handgun without that license. The person must meet all the requirements in owning a handgun first, then due to the Texas Constitutional Carry law recently passed, that person can carry public or concealed without a permit for as long as they follow the rules for it.What changes?Besides being able to carry concealed or public without a permit if you meet the qualifications, nothing else has really changed.There has been no change in where you can and cannot carry.Of the places you cannot carry at all even with Texas Constitutional Carry rights include: - Any place of schooling or education (e.g., University, school grounds, etc. ) - Any sporting event or game (Applies to all: Professional, Local, inter-scholastic, etc.) - Any business that receives 51% or more of their income from alcohol (e.g., restaurant bars, liquor stores, etc.) - Any place or institution of healthcare (e.g., hospital, nursing home, etc.) - Any area of polling during an election period - Any court building or offices pertaining to the government - Any religious place of worship or institution (e.g., Mosque, Church, etc.) - Any Federal property - Any racetracks(For more details, visit the DPS website)When it comes to a personal business or a restaurant whose income from alcohol is less than 51% of overall profit, you must seek permission from the owner. Business owners have the full right to dictate whether their employees and customers can carry on the property.If there is any sign or visual cue that indicates firearms are not allowed on property, then carrying a gun on the property under Texas Constitutional Carry is not allowed. However, this does not apply to anyone who has a License to CarryIf you have a License to Carry, then only a verbal notice or a government-registered sign saying that firearms are not allowed can stop you. How are current LTC holders or applicants affected?If you currently have a License to Carry or are in the process of getting one, the new Constitutional Carry law does not affect you. Constitutional Carry is for those who do not have a permit to carry a firearm but are qualified to do so. Why you should get an LTCWith Constitutional Carry now in effect. The necessity to get a License to Carry is nearly void.You no longer need to go through such a rigorous process that takes quite a while to get your firearm. So why get one?Well… there are a few reasons you should reconsider getting a License to CarryThe first and probably best reason to get a License to Carry is that you will be documented, and your records will exist with the different government departments.This is especially helpful as it will save a ton of hassle when dealing with anyone.If you by chance are stopped or detained by law enforcement, having your License to Carry with you can ease the process as the officers know that you are licensed to have this weapon in your possession.In the event of you not being Licensed to Carry and instead, Constitutionally Carrying a firearm, you will find it generally a bit more difficult. With Texas Constitutional Carry only, you are not documented as well, so it would be in turn harder for officers to determine what to do though you have the full right under Texan law. Airports are another place where having a License to Carry can save an immense amount of time. By having one, airport officials know you can legally have one and have been approved.But a constitutional carrier might find it much harder as airport officials must determine if you can carry or not, which in turn would waste your time. Another reason to get a License to Carry is that you will be asked to do a shooting proficiency test.This is an extremely beneficial and safe practice as you can protect others and yourself from harm.With a License to Carry, you will learn all things related to your firearm. How to shoot, how to properly store, what to do in certain situations, how to keep yourself and others safe, etc. The benefits of a License to Carry are endless. Though the process is long and drawn out, I would highly recommend taking the steps to get a License to Carry. It is a form of protection, for both you and others. By getting one, you can easily bypass the majority of problems people face when carrying a firearm anywhere.Get Certified Here More info don't forget to enter in our mothly $100 Visa gift card giveawayBest Concealed Carry Handguns for Women 2022Showcased on Big News NetworkTexas Constitutional Carry FAQsIs Texas Constitutional Carry now?As of September 1, 2021, Texas joined a group of states that no longer require a concealed handgun license. Texas Constitutional Carry is what it is referred as.What does constitutional carry mean for LTC holders in Texas?Doesn’t mean much, Texas LTC holders are rewarded with less restrictions than Open CarryCan I open carry in Texas without a permit?Yes, Texas is a Constitutional / Permitless Carry StateIs it legal to carry one in the chamber in Texas?YesWho Can Carry Under HB 1927?You can read the full Bill Here
