Senate Bill 16, once passed, would allow more Texans than ever before to carry a firearm.
If approved by Governor Greg Abbott, the bill will drastically decrease the price for a license to carry.
“I think this is just going to be a big sigh of relief for everyone that wanted to but not sure how they would afford it. I think there is going to be relatively quickly a doubling in the amount of licenses in Texas,” Steve Burns the Manager and Co-Owner of LSG Tactical Arms said.
The bill would reduce the initial fee which is currently $140 to $40. It would also reduce the annual renewal fee from $70 to $40.
“On the original rules, I think they were trying to be pretty selective and see who is dedicated. This was their attempt to weed out the less dedicated to it. Now it’s going to be easier for everybody who can afford it, as long as they pass their background check they’re going to be good,” Burns said.
Texas currently has one of the highest carrying fees in the country and Burns said since the fee could be reduced it will improve the livelihood of gun owners throughout the state.
“This is taking it from one of the most expensive license in the country to one of the least expensive in the country, it’s really good for Texas,” Burns said.
The Texas house signed off on the bill. Now the bill is sitting on Governor Abbott’s desk waiting for his final approval before it becomes a law.
