PATRICK SAYS NOT ENOUGH VOTES IN SENATE TO PASSS ‘PERMITLESS’ CARRY

  

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he believes the state Senate does not currently have the votes to pass permitless carry of handguns.

However, the Republican leader of the Senate says he will try to see if there is a “path” to change that.

Patrick’s comments come days after the state House approved a permitless carry bill, commonly referred to as “constitutional carry” by supporters.

In a statement issued Monday, Patrick said if there are enough votes to pass a permitless carry bill off the Senate floor, he will move it.  But at this point they don’t have the votes.

Patrick plans to meet with law enforcement who oppose permitless carry and with the National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of America who support the move.