TX State Law Library Only CC Guide - Flipbook - Page 20
WHY SHOULD I STILL GET A LICENSE
TO CARRY A HANDGUN?
You may be asking yourself: “If I am a law-abiding person and I can now carry a handgun without a
license, should I get my Texas LTC?” The resounding answer is YES. There are many circumstances
where acquiring and renewing your LTC are beneficial, and in some instances, necessary.
Texas Law Gives LTC Holders More Rights
Further, even with the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 becoming Texas law on September 1st, 2021,
there remain several advantages under state law for individuals carrying LTCs; including reciprocity,
being able to carry into some otherwise prohibited locations, and expedited firearm purchases.
Reciprocity: Texas LTC Out-of-State Recognition
Of primary importance to many people is carrying a handgun for self-defense while traveling
to other states. Most states will honor a Texas LTC, and several states have permitless carry.
However, if you want to lawfully carry your handgun in the following states, you will be required to
have an LTC: Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan,
Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Federal Gun-Free School Zones
Generally, the Federal Gun-Free School Zone Act prohibits carrying a firearm within 1000 feet of
a public, parochial, or private elementary, middle, or high school. There are several exceptions to
this law; primarily among them is this prohibition does not criminalize the carrying of a firearm by
a person who holds a handgun permit or license from the state where the school is located. This
means a person who carries an accessible handgun in their vehicle while picking up or dropping off
their child without a Texas LTC violates federal law; whereas a Texas LTC holder does not. 18 U.S.C.
922(q).
Continued >>
U.S. LawShield
TEXAS CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY GUIDE 2021
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