STATE SENATE PASSES HANDGUN BILL

  

A measure passed by the Texas Senate, Wednesday, would allow people to carry a handgun without a license, or the background check and training that go with it.

Lawmakers have reduced classroom and shooting range training requirements over the last decade, but had been reluctant to eliminate the license requirement altogether.

The move has been approved over the objections of law enforcement and gun control groups. If it becomes law, Texas would join nearly two dozen states that allow some form of unregulated carry of a handgun but it would be the most populous by far.

The state House has already passed a similar version of the bill and the two chambers will have to negotiate differences before sending it to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who has said he’ll sign it into law.