Gov. Abbott Fulfills Promise to Sign into Law Permitless Carry

AUSTIN, TX – Gov. Greg Abbott fulfilled a promise to sign into law permitless handgun carry Thursday paving the way for Texans to carry weapons without a concealed carry license. 

Abbott signed HB1927 which eliminates the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun. The signing of the bill seals a win to conservative activists who have long sought the measure without success.

Lawmakers were under immense political pressure this session from conservatives and gun rights advocates, who have long lobbied the Texas Legislature for permitless carry but historically struggled to win support.

Before approving the bill, the Senate tacked on several amendments to address concerns by law enforcement groups that opposed permitless carry, worried it would endanger officers and make it easier for criminals to get guns.

The bill preserves a Senate amendment enhancing the criminal penalties for felons and family violence offenders caught carrying.

Some Democrats and state lawmakers from El Paso have denounced the measure, which came during the first legislative session since the 2019 massacres. Abbott softened his tone on gun control after those shootings but has been quiet on the issue since.

Referring to the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Gov. Abbott said “We need to erect a complete barrier against any government official anywhere from treading on gun rights in Texas.” 

The law allowing permitless carry in Texas goes into effect Sept. 1, 2021.