LEGISLATURE APPROVES BUDGET AND CARRY LAW
Final tweaks to Texas' $209 billion budget allowing for $3.8 billion in tax cuts have passed the Legislature and are headed to Gov. Greg Abbott.
On a 30-1 Senate vote Friday, the only bill lawmakers must pass during the 140-day session was approved. The House later endorsed it 115-33.
The House and Senate for weeks wrestled over tax cut proposals, between plans lowering property or sales taxes. But they reached a recent agreement, making the final votes drama-free.
Beginning Jan. 1, homeowners will stand to save roughly $120 annually in property taxes.
Other big-ticket governor priorities: $3.7 billion for transportation and $800 million for border security.
Texas lawmakers have approved licensed open carry of handguns on the streets of the nation's second-most populous state.
The bill cleared the Legislature late Friday. It now heads to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it.
The bill would reverse a ban dating to the post-Civil War era.
The measure passed after key concessions were made to police groups, who demanded that they not be restricted from questioning people carrying guns, to ensure they had proper licenses to do so.
Texas has about 850,000 concealed handgun license holders.
Yeah we needed that! We need border security to be a main focus also! I’m glad some of our government officials in Texas think so. Unlike Washington who think global warming is biggest issue! No that would be ISIS and terrorism coming over the borders! They have killed thousands of Christians and forced millions to leave there homes! They say convert to Islam or die. We need to be protecting our people and nation! May GOD help us!
Great ! First thing, I am not anti-gun. We are only a step away from the wild west here folks. I am hoping that most of the CWL holders will not feel the need to openly brandish their weapon. For some it will be “show and tell” days and to those under 5’5″ maybe add 6 inches to their height. Personally, I have an ex in-law who is liscensed, but not fit to have custody of a child, but carries. So, voters, just remember, you asked for this.
The new Open Carry law is no big deal since only CHL holders and open carry as of Jan 1, 2016 after Abbott signs it. 90% or more will remain concealed so we do not give up our tactical advantage just to look tough.
John Deans
I feel that most concealed carries will remain concealed but their will be a few that will push the limit and openly carry. My concern is how will a LEO and everyone else, know that the open carrier is licensed and not a felon wanting to bring harm to others?