Effective September 1, 2021, the Texas State Legislature passed House Bill 1927, which allows qualified persons in the State of Texas to carry a firearm on their person in public without a License to Carry (LTC). This makes Texas the 20th state in the country to recognize the people's constitutional right to carry a firearm for self-preservation. All of us here at FirstLine Development Group are supporters of this bill's passage and encourage every responsible individual to take their protection into their own hands.
That being said, we also support a well-rounded, educated protector that understands the responsibility that is undertaken with their usage of a deadly force tool. We do not support state-mandated training, but believe it is up to the individual to decide their level of desired education (helpful hint - when it comes to defensive skills, you're always going to want more).
While "constitutional carry" is now in effect, you may consider applying to get an LTC anyway. Here are a few reasons why.
Get your license easily.
The LTC course consists of a shooting qualification and 4-6 hours of classroom instruction. After the shooting portion and a 25-question exam, a simple online application and fingerprint appointment are all that are required to receive your LTC in the mail. This process is inexpensive, simple, and provides you with many benefits.
Know the law.
Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. The LTC course covers a wide variety of legal considerations that ensure you leave the class feeling more comfortable knowing when and where you are allowed to use force in legal self-defense. This knowledge is not only your responsibility but your obligation to your loved ones and the community in which you live.
Carry in other states.
Constitutional carry is valid within Texas state lines, but your LTC allows you to legally carry in over 30 states across the country. While you are still required to know and abide by the laws of the state you are visiting, you can rest easy knowing that your license is recognized. Visit this link for more information on reciprocity.
Bypass the NICS.
Purchasing a firearm through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) is easier with an LTC. Because the State runs your background check as they complete your LTC application, any firearms dealer in Texas is able to use your Texas LTC as a substitute for running the normal National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check. This means no more delays or long hold times when picking up your new firearm from the gun store.
Be protected.
LTC holders have protections that constitutional carriers do not. For instance, an LTC holder is allowed to have an accessible handgun in their vehicle during school pickup/dropoff, while constitutional carriers are under the purview of the Federal Gun-Free School Zone Act that prohibits carrying of a firearm within 1000 feet of a school. LTC holders that accidentally wander into firearms-restricted areas have the ability to avoid legal trouble by leaving the premises immediately, meanwhile constitutional carriers have no legal protection against the potential consequences for their actions, be it intentional or accidental.
Carry in more places.
New signage regulations mean that constitutional carriers are not able to carry in locations that have any sort of signage prohibiting firearms on the premises. The generic "gunbuster" signs that are readily available at many big-box retailers are no match for your Texas LTC; they have no legal standing for LTC holders.
Many locations that were previously off-limits are now available for LTC holders. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, amusement parks, and more as long as those locations do not post the proper prohibitive signage. These locations are strictly forbidden for constitutional carriers.
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Is the LTC right for you? We hope this guide has been beneficial in helping you determine your need for this program. Please visit our website for more information about the LTC course and other educational opportunities.
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