Lawmakers considered two handgun-related bills today.
Under a bill by Rep. , D-Fort Worth, out-of-state concealed-carry handgun permits would not be valid in Texas. At a public hearing today, John Woods of Texas Gun Sense said out-of-state businesses are marketing permits to Texas residents as an easier way to get a concealed handgun license.
鈥淭hey advertise on Facebook and Google,鈥� Woods said. 鈥淚t would be better if there were a more substantive requirement.鈥�
Gun rights advocate Rachel Malone testified against the bill, saying concealed handgun carriers increase public safety.
鈥淢ore guns being carried out on the streets by the people equal less crime,鈥� Malone said. 鈥淎nd more CHLers are going to reduce crime.鈥�
The bill was left pending in committee.
A second bill would allow school board members and superintendents to carry concealed handguns at school board meetings. Rep. , R-Houston, says those officials need extra protection.
鈥淚t鈥檚 our responsibility to make sure that if you wanted to be a school board member, and you wanted to be able to carry a gun, and your superintendent or the majority board prevented you from doing so, I think that鈥檚 a shame, and all this does is give you, as a legitimate concealed handgun license holder, the ability to do that,鈥� Huberty said.
One gun rights activist spoke against the bill, saying if guns are allowed on campus, it should not be limited only to public officials. A representative of the group told the committee the issue is a slippery slope that could lead to even more guns at school.
