Texas legislator files bill that would allow carrying firearms without a license



Click through the slideshow to see what Texas' laws are when it comes to open carry. less State Rep. Jonathan Stickland (R-Bedford) has filed a bill that would allows gun owners in Texas to open carry and concealed carry without a license.

Click through the slideshow to see what Texas' laws are when ... more State Rep. Jonathan Stickland (R-Bedford) has filed a bill that would allows gun owners in Texas to open carry and concealed carry without a license. Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 32 Caption Close Texas legislator files bill that would allow carrying firearms without a license 1 / 32 Back to Gallery

One Texas legislator is pushing to let gun owners open carry or concealed carry without a license.

State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, calls his HB 375 a "constitutional carry." On his website, Stickland wrote, "The Second Amendment alone should stand as one's 'permit,' to ensure their safety and right to self-defense... Any federal law restricting gun ownership or purchase should be challenged by Texas through the 10th Amendment."

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HB 375 is titled the "Constitutional Carry Act of 2017." It states that anyone who is not prohibited by law from owning a firearm will not require a license to carry it.

The standard price for a license to carry a handgun is $140 with a $70 renewal fee every five years, according to Texas Department of Public Safety. A first-time applicant must also take classroom training, pass a written exam and demonstrate their shooting ability. The class can cost up to $100.

Other gun-related bills filed by Texas legislators include H.B. 111 from State Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, which aims to reduce fees for gun licenses if the applicant proves that he or she has a "secure gun storage device," such as a safe, case or a cabinet.

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State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, filed S.B. 133, which would provide a sales tax break for hunting supplies starting on the Saturday of the first full weekend in September and ending the following Sunday. Items selected for the tax break include ammunition, archery equipment, hunting blinds, hunting optics and hunting safety equipment.

H.B. 259 would ban selling firearms at a gun show without using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System has been filed by State Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas).

The 85th Legislature starts Jan. 10, 2017 and ends May 29.