Over the weekend, Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed important legislation protecting the privacy rights of lawful firearms purchasers and strengthening the state firearms preemption law. Both measures will take effect on September 1, 2023.
House Bill 2837: Protecting Privacy Rights
One of the key bills signed into law is House Bill 2837, introduced by Representative Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler). This legislation addresses the concerning issue of financial institutions and credit card companies requiring licensed dealers to use firearms-specific merchant category codes (MCCs) for retail gun purchases. The intention behind this bill is to protect the privacy rights of lawful purchasers by preventing payment card processing systems from collecting and misusing data to surveil, report, or disclose these legal transactions.
Gun control advocates have successfully pressured activist banks on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to create unique MCCs for licensed gun dealers. These advocates are now pushing lawmakers to require credit card companies to use these MCCs to gather data on and track lawful firearms and ammunition purchases. By doing so, they are attempting to outsource the creation of gun owner registries to the private financial sector, bypassing the federal government's prohibition on maintaining such registries.
House Bill 2837 ensures that this will not happen in the Lone Star State. Texas joins a growing list of states, including Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, and West Virginia, that have taken swift action this year to enact laws protecting the privacy of lawful gun purchasers when using credit cards at firearm retailers.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB02837F.pdf#navpanes=0
House Bill 3137: Strengthening Firearms Preemption Law
Another significant piece of legislation signed by Governor Abbott is House Bill 3137, sponsored by Representative Carrie Isaac (R-Wimberley). This bill expands the state firearms preemption law, preventing municipalities or counties from imposing requirements on firearm owners to obtain liability insurance. The aim of this legislation is to prevent burdensome regulations, similar to those seen in California, from being imposed on law-abiding Texas gun owners in the future.
By maintaining statewide consistency in firearm regulations, House Bill 3137 upholds the rights of responsible gun owners and protects them from unnecessary and costly insurance requirements. This legislation ensures that the Second Amendment rights of Texans are respected and preserved across the Lone Star State.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB03137F.pdf#navpanes=0
House Bill 1760: Clarifying Firearms Possession at School-Sponsored Activities
Governor Abbott had previously signed House Bill 1760, introduced by Representative Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant), into law back in May. This bill addresses the ambiguity surrounding firearms possession at school-sponsored activities and clarifies that License To Carry (LTC) holders and permitless carriers in possession of legal firearms at these locations would not be considered felons simply because students are present on the premises.
Under current Texas law, the prohibition on firearms possession at school-sponsored activities could be interpreted to include numerous locations where school field trips, fundraisers, and after-school programs occur, even if they are not owned or controlled by a school. House Bill 1760 brings clarity to the issue by specifying that carrying a firearm at school activities would only be considered an offense if the activities are being conducted on school-owned or operated property.
The intent behind this bill is to ensure that law-abiding citizens can exercise their Second Amendment rights without unnecessary restrictions. By clarifying the law, House Bill 1760 protects individuals' rights while maintaining the safety and security of school environments.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB02837F.pdf#navpanes=0
Governor Abbott's Commitment to Second Amendment Rights
These recent legislative actions further demonstrate Governor Abbott's unwavering commitment to protecting Second Amendment rights in Texas. By signing these bills into law, he has reinforced his support for personal and civil liberties, and his dedication to preserving the fundamental right to bear arms.
Governor Abbott's actions align with his previous support for Second Amendment rights. His ongoing efforts and legislative support have solidified his position as a staunch advocate for responsible gun ownership and the preservation of individual freedoms.
At Carry Texas, we applaud Governor Abbott's dedication to protecting the rights of Texans and promoting the principles enshrined in the Second Amendment. These recent legislative victories underscore the importance of defending our freedoms and ensuring that responsible gun owners can exercise their rights without undue burdens.
As we move forward, Carry Texas remains committed to preserving personal and civil liberties, promoting firearm safety, and advocating for the rights of law-abiding Texans. Together, we will continue to support legislation that upholds the Second Amendment and preserves the values that make Texas a beacon of freedom.
Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing efforts to champion Second Amendment rights and support lawful gun owners across the Lone Star State.
