AUSTIN – Today, House Bill 1911 passed with a vote of 6-2 in the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety, allowing for the carry of handguns without a permit. Often called “Constitutional carry”, permitless carry is one of the eight priorities outlined by the Republican Party of Texas and is currently legal in fourteen states.

HB 1911 would not do away with current License to Carry (LTC) provisions in Texas law for existing license holders or those who prefer the permitting process and the reciprocity it affords when carrying in other states. This legislation would let Texas citizens who are legally allowed to own a firearm and meet current standards of permitting to carry without the state mandated barriers.

“As a Joint Author of HB 1911, I am proud of the work that is being done to defend the 2^nd Amendment Rights of Texans. With the advancement of this legislation, Texans are closer than ever to exercising the freedoms guaranteed to us in our Constitution,” said Representative Dade Phelan.

HB 1911 will now move to the Calendars Committee where it will await scheduling for debate on the floor of the Texas House. Text of the legislation along with a record of actions taken can be found at www.capitol.state.tx.us.

Representative Phelan is serving his second term in the Texas House of Representatives. He proudly represents House District 21, representing both Jefferson and Orange Counties. He serves as a Member of the Appropriations Committee, Calendars Committee, the Select Committee on Texas Ports & Infrastructure, and serves as Vice-Chair of the Natural Resources Committee.