Since passing the Texas State Senate in March of this year, Senate Bill 17 has become law. In preparation for the Jan. 1, 2016, effective date, the state has spent considerable time preparing to implement the new replacement of the current concealed carry and handgun permitting law.
Handgun Licensing Program (Formerly Known As Concealed Handgun Licensing)
The 84th Regular Legislative Session of Texas has passed House Bill 910 and the terms of that legislation will become effective Jan. 1, 2016. The new law replaces several aspects of former handgun licensing and details the rights of a person licensed to carry a holstered handgun.
The law provides for qualified individuals to seek a license to carry a handgun openly (with certain exceptions) at the same places that currently are authorized to provide licenses for concealed handguns. It is noted that the eligibility requirements for a handgun carry license have not changed.
Details of the new regulations include:
- License holders who carry any unconcealed handguns, loaded or unloaded, must do so in a shoulder or belt holster.
- Any current holder of a valid CHL is allowed to carry with their existing valid license
- No additional fees or licenses are required to open carry if in possession of a current CHL.
- While current CHL holders are not required to attend additional training, the new training requirements (for all classes beginning on or after January 1,2016) are updated to include curriculum for new licensees.
- The additional training will focus on the proper use of restraint holster and proper methods of securing openly carried handguns.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has been tasked with updating all websites, and training materials to refer to License to Carry (LTC) rather than Concealed Handgun License (CHL). Additionally, the new laminated licenses will reflect the new terminology.
If you have any questions concerning this new law as an individual or an institution, call Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. in Amarillo, Texas.