TEXAS: Ten Loosened Gun Laws Go Into Effect Today

Reuters reports:

A slate of new Texas laws that loosen regulations for firearms went into effect Sunday after a month in which the state experienced multiple mass shootings. The bills, which were passed during the 86th Texas legislature, ease restrictions surrounding access to guns on school grounds and churches, among other provisions.

The National Rifle Association has praised the legislation as “highly successful.” On Saturday, at least five people were killed after an alleged gunman opened fire in West Texas. Authorities said that at least 21 people were injured, including three law enforcement officers.

Here’s the first half of the NRA’s list:



House Bill 121 provides a legal defense for License To Carry holders who unknowingly enter establishments posted with 30.06 or 30.07 signs, as long they promptly leave when verbally informed of the policy.

House Bill 302 prohibits “no firearms” clauses in future residential leases and protects tenants’ rights to possess lawfully-owned firearms and ammunition in dwelling units and on manufactured home lots, and to transport their guns directly between their personal vehicles and these locations.

House Bill 1143 prevents school districts from effectively prohibiting the possession of firearms in private motor vehicles on school property by limiting their authority to regulate the manner in which they are stored in locked cars and trucks.

House Bill 1177 protects citizens from being charged with a crime for carrying a handgun without a License To Carry while evacuating from an area during a declared state or local disaster, or while returning to that area.

House Bill 1791 closes loopholes in the state’s “wrongful exclusion” law that cities, counties and state agencies have been using to restrict License To Carry holders in government buildings.