Things are changing in Texas, and if a proposed bill goes through after September 2025, the state will officially recognize all out-of-state handgun licenses. This grants visitors from out of state the same concealed carry rights that residents have.
This puts Texas among 20 other states that have adopted similar bills to ensure that Americans can legally carry their firearms in as many states as possible, even if they are just passing through or visiting.
Universal Recognition
If Senate Bill 706 goes through, which it most likely will, the state will have a “Universal Recognition” of concealed carry permits that originate in any other U.S. state.
If Texas police officers stop someone with any kind of permit, they will treat it as if it was issued in Texas. This means that concealed carry citizens don’t have to worry about where their licenses apply.
Effects On Permitless Carry
Permitless carry, or “constitutional carry” as it is often called, will continue to be allowed in Texas with few exceptions for U.S. citizens over the age of 21.
This means that even without a permit, most residents can carry a handgun in public places. However, having a permit either from Texas or out-of-state could offer more privileges in areas that would otherwise restrict carry.
Who Can Carry?
There are still restrictions as to who can carry a firearm in Texas and the United States. Individuals must be able to legally own a firearm under federal and state law.
Those who cannot carry a firearm are those with felony charges, some violent misdemeanors, active protective orders, and those not having the mental competency to own a gun. The bill means that out-of-state visitors will still have to legally possess their firearms.
Where You Can and Can’t Carry
Despite allowing many citizens to carry, Texas still has areas that do not let those without the proper credentials bring a firearm into them. This includes locations such as schools, polling places, courthouses, secure airport areas, and certain private businesses.
Any property owner can also prohibit firearms on their property by putting up the required signs.
Open Versus Concealed
For those that quality, both open and concealed carry is legal and allowed in Texas. Open carry does constitute that the holder of the firearm needs to be in a compliant holster.
Concealed carry works differently, and the possessor of the firearm needs to ensure that it is concealed in a holster. While out-of-state permit holders will be able to use them in Texas, they will still have to follow its laws regarding firearms while in the state.
Business Rights
Texas law applies to any U.S. citizen while they are inside of its borders. In the state, businesses and private property owners reserve the right to prohibit firearms on their premises.
Legal signs notice visitors of the ban can be enforced by the law, and this includes businesses, churches, and even private homes. If these signs are ignored, then the law is being broken, and legal actions can be taken.
Other Restrictions
There are some areas that always have restrictions on firearm carry, no matter the circumstances. These include many government properties such as police stations, courthouses, and polling places. Firearms are also restricted at school grounds and even some sporting events.
College campuses also have restrictions, but their processes are somewhat complex. If a firearm is carried into any of these places, an individual could face arrest or prosecution.
What’s Changed?
SB 706, the proposed bill, was driven by supporters of Second Amendment rights, consistency with other states, and making things simpler.
The bill will make things more streamlined and straightforward for Americans visiting from out-of-state and create a more welcoming feeling for gun owners who like to carry in public. Those who are in favor of the bill praise it for reinforcing self-defense, while critics are concerned about more gun violence in public areas.
A Gun-Friendly State
SB706 is probably going to be accepted and integrated into legal legislation. Texas has always been one of the gun-friendliest states in America, and the bill only further proves this.
Gun carriers from out-of-state should still be cautious and do their research, but for the most part, visitors shouldn’t have to worry about their permits being valid after September 1st, 2025.
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