While a CHL/LTC needs to be familiar with all laws (federal, state, and local), the main Texas criminal statutes that a Texas CHL/LTC
needs to be very familiar with are:
30.06 Trespass by Holder of License to Carry Concealed Handgun (concealed carry) -
this statute spells out the requirements for property owners to prohibit LTC's from lawfully carrying their handguns CONCEALED on
the premises.
30.07 Trespass by Holder of License to Carry Handgun (open carry) - this statute spells out the requirements
for property owners to prohibit LTC's from lawfully carrying their handguns OPENLY on the premises
42.01 Disorderly Conduct -
subsection (a)(8) makes it illegal to "open carry" (yes - even rifles & shotguns) in a public place in a manner calculated to
alarm. Subsection (a)(9) makes it illegal to discharge a firearm on or across a public road.
46.02 Unlawful Carrying Weapons-
Regulates the "unlicensed" carry but also gives authority to carry in some locations despite 30.06/07 posting.
46.03 Places Weapons
Prohibited - prohibits the carrying of weapons into certain places like courts, schools, airports, voting areas, and so forth.
A very recent Texas Attorney General opinion has determined that "courts" applies only to the courtrooms and not to the entirety of a
multi-purpose courthouse.
repealed - 46.035 Unlawful Carrying of Handgun by License Holder - prohibits LTC's from lawfully carrying
into places that make their main profit from the sale of alcohol (51% sign), sporting events, correctional facilities, and certain
places that must post a 30.06 or 30.07 sign (poorly written statute).
46.15 Nonapplicability- Sets up special exemption from
gun free zones for LEO's, judges (with LTC), and prosecutors (with LTC), and certain exemptions for others.
You should also
be aware that Federal Law prohibits the carrying of your concealed handgun onto most federal property - even if it's locked in your
vehicle. This differs from Texas state law.
What is the USCCA?
It is the United States Concealed Carry Association. Membership includes a very informative and well written magazine that covers many of your concealed carry questions and issues and helps you think about things you may not have thought about.
Personally I joined for an annual membership but after a year and a half I upgraded to a life membership with the Defense Shield Insurance which I also highly recommend.
What is the Self Defense Shield?
It is an insurance plan that covers you in the event of a defensive shooting. Options include defense of civil lawsuits as well as criminal defense. Read the policy and find the one that suits your needs.
United States Concealed Carry Association and
the Self-Defense Shield
