NRA Joins Texas Governor For Constitutional Carry Bill Signing

by
posted on June 17, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Texas Signs Constitutional Carry Bill Abbott F

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was joined by National Rifle Association EVP and CEO Wayne LaPierre, along with NRA President Carolyn Meadows, 1st Vice President Charles Cotton and 2nd Vice President Willes Lee at the bill-signing ceremony for Texas House Bill 1927. The NRA-backed bill gives law-abiding Texas residents the ability to carry a firearm for self-defense without requiring a license from the state and makes Texas the 21st Constitutional Carry state in the country. The historic ceremony took place in the Alamo, where Gov. Abbott signed seven bills into law.

“In this historic place—the Alamo—one of our nation’s earliest battles for freedom was fought. And today, another has been won, as Texas becomes the 21st state to allow law-abiding gun owners to carry a firearm,” LaPierre said. “The United States Constitution sets forth this fundamental right to freedom, and it is an honor to be here as Gov. Abbott signs into law a new bill furthering these rights for all Texans. In an increasingly dangerous world, Texans—and all Americans—deserve the right to protect themselves, their loved ones and their fellow citizens.”

With the passage of the new law, which takes effect Sept. 1, 2021, Texans will be allowed to carry a handgun for protection without a state-issued license to carry. The law will not impact previously issued carry licenses, and residents who still wish to obtain a license to carry to take advantage of reciprocity agreements with other states will be able to do so.

"There is no reason a law-abiding person should have to seek government permission to carry a handgun for self-defense," said Jason Ouimet, executive director of NRA-ILA. “Passage of this measure demonstrates Texas' commitment to restoring and protecting our Second Amendment freedoms. We thank Gov. Abbott, bill author Rep. Matt Schaefer, legislative leaders, and every lawmaker who supported this landmark legislation.”

Also signed into law were several other bills, including HB 1500, which prevents government officials from firearm-related businesses during a future disaster; SB 19, which restricts companies that discriminate against the firearm industry from obtaining contracts with state and local government entities; SB 20, which allows hotel guests to transport and store firearms in their rooms while traveling and SB 550, which removes the requirement that a holster for an openly carried handgun be either a belt or shoulder holster.

"Politicians from the federal level to the local level have threatened to take guns from law-abiding citizens—but we will not let that happen in Texas," Gov. Abbott said. "Texas will always be the leader in defending the Second Amendment, which is why we built a barrier around gun rights this session. These seven laws will protect the rights of law-abiding citizens and ensure that Texas remains a bastion of freedom. Thank you to the Texas Legislature for getting these bills to my desk."

Latest

Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistols 01
Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistols 01

New For 2025: Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistols

Rossi downsized its Triple Black lever-action rifle into several pistol variants, creating large-format handguns that are sized for easy carry, vehicle storage or tight maneuvering in dense brush.

Preview: Stealth Cam Revolver 360

There’s nowhere for game to hide from Stealth Cam’s new Revolver 360 cellular trail camera, making it well suited for use in wide-open areas such as food plots or large fields.

Gun Of The Week: Rost Martin RM1S

We’re on the range with a concealable defensive pistol from one of the newest gunmakers in the firearm industry. This is the Rost Martin RM1S, and it’s an even smaller version of the company’s flagship design, the RM1C.

The Keefe Report: Remembering Frank Brownell

Frank Brownell, the patriarch of the Brownells family and a longtime leader in the firearm industry, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, at the age of 85.

The Armed Citizen® June 20, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Lone Wolf Arms Timberwolf 19X

In its Timberwolf 19X, Lone Wolf Arms focused on incremental updates and tweaks to the seminal Glock design, resulting in a versatile "crossover" handgun design capable of fulfilling a variety of roles.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.