There has been a lot of debate regarding gun laws recently, and the State of Texas reacted by crafting new gun-related measures that went into effect on September 1, 2019. If you are a gun owner, you naturally want to carry responsibly, and understanding the laws that apply in Texas can help. Laws are put in place not only to help protect everyone’s Second Amendment Right to bear arms but also to help protect everyone’s safety.
Applicable Federal Laws
The U.S. Constitution represents the law of the land, and the Second Amendment allows every citizen the right to keep and bear arms. While some people read this to mean that the federal government takes a hands-off approach when it comes to firearms, this is far from the truth. There are three major Acts that make up the federal regulations that guide the sale, possession, and purchase of firearms in the United States, including:
- The National Firearms Act (1934)
- The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993)
- The Gun Control Act of 1968
The federal government bans some firearms and attachments outright. For example, silencers and machine guns are banned. There are also age restrictions in place, and felons cannot own firearms.
Texas Gun Laws
Every state has its own approach to gun control, and the State of Texas is noted for its robust commitment to upholding the Second Amendment. In fact, it is known as a Stand Your Ground state. This means that, in Texas, individuals can use deadly force if it is necessary to protect themselves.
To own a gun in Texas, you must obtain a handgun license. License which distributed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, and in order to get you must meet certain requirements. These include:
- Obtaining training
- Submitting fingerprints
- Passing a written exam
- Passing a shooting test
In Texas, a registered handgun owner is permitted to openly carry on his or her shoulder or hip, but there are restrictions related to taking guns into schools, courtrooms, polling places, and airports.
Recent Changes
The recent changes in gun control measures in Texas have actually loosened restrictions. These changes include:
- Licensed owners can now carry in places of worship.
- There is no longer a cap on how many school marshals can carry on a school’s campus.
- Landlords are no longer allowed to prevent guests or tenants from carrying.
- Gun owners can carry for up to a week without a license if a state or federal disaster zone is declared.