New Gun Bills Proposed by Texas Lawmakers
Texas lawmakers on opposite sides of the aisle have proposed major gun bills ahead of the 2017 legislative session - three that would greatly expand the open carry of firearms, and one that would allow public universities to opt out.
Republican State Representative Jonathan Strickland of Bedford recently authored House Bill 375 - a "constitutional carry" law that would make it legal for citizens to openly carry a firearm with or without a permit, rendering licensing and firearm safety classes strictly optional.
If House Bill 375 passes, Texas will become the 11th state to allow constitutional carry.
In addition to Strickland's bill, Republican State Senator Robert Nichols of Jacksonville and Republican State Representative Dustin Burrows of Lubbock have each filed bills that would eliminate fees needed to obtain a license to carry a firearm.
Meanwhile, Democratic State Representative Donna Howard of Austin has proposed House Bill 391, would allow public universities to opt out of Texas' campus carry law. Under the current law, only private universities have the option to opt out.