In case anyone is interested...a thread with some thoughts on the HB 1927 permitless carry hearing #txlege

Schwertner: "You still need a background check to purchase a gun."

No, you don't. Texas doesn't require background checks for private sales. Many, many Texans obtain guns this way with no check.

Responding to a question of how LEOs will know wether someone is carrying legally or not, Schwertner: "An officer can always stop...for reasonable suspicion."

Not under this bill...

Not too far into the hearing, and we've already had our first reference to a "young lady"needing permitless carry. Schwertner quickly corrected himself to extend his comments to all individuals. Maybe he read my piece? https://elvamendoza.medium.com/the-paternalistic-push-for-permitless-carry-bd5fcf94e791

Another mention of ladies. This time "ladies and families." I guess single men don't need this bill? (FYI, 71% of LTC licenses went to men last fiscal year.)

Schwerter says a handgun is a defensive weapon, that you're not going to carry a rifle for defensive use. So, why do people need to carry AR-15s around on our city streets? Perhaps we should be limiting that instead of letting people carry handguns with no training???

@SenatorLucio asked about permitless carry & violence. States that have weakened or eliminated law enforcement authority to deny permits to people who pose a danger saw an 11% increase in handgun homicide rates and a 13-15% increase in violent crime rates. https://everytownresearch.org/report/permitless-carry-carrying-a-concealed-gun-in-public-with-no-permit-and-no-training/

Creighton affirms SCOTUS's Heller decision allows regulations on firearms, apparently contradicting Schwertner's incorrect view that the U.S. Constitution guarantees unfettered firearms rights.

Birdwell insinuates it's not a big stretch to go from allowing permitless carry in cars (current law) to permitless carry in churches, parks, streets, grocery stores, hardware stores, restaurants, etc.

Schwertner has repeatedly talked about the fact that gun owners who carry in public have the responsibility and requirement to know how to safely use their weapons. But he's arguing to remove the process that ensures they do, in favor of an honor system.

@DrewSpringer admits that #txlege has been chipping away at gun safety laws for years and says that there hasn't been "blood in the streets" as a result. Except there has.