Rep. Vikki Goodwin Asks Gov. Abbott To Veto Permitless Carry Bill After Austin Shooting
Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin has written a letter to Governor Greg Abbott calling on him to veto a bill allowing permitless carry in Texas in the wake of Saturday's mass shooting on Sixth Street in Austin.
The Texas Legislature approved HB 1927 last month, allowing Texans to carry handguns without a license.
Texans are generally required to have a license to carry handguns openly or concealed. In addition, applicants must submit fingerprints, complete four to six hours of training, and pass written and shooting proficiency tests.
Texas House passed the bill by an 82-62 vote, while the Texas Senate approved the bill by a 17-13 vote.
According to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll, a substantial majority of Texas voters oppose permitless carry.
I used to go downtown frequently, but I haven't been in the area lately. With the city experiencing so much growth over the past few years, it's inevitably going to have more Big City problems like an uptick in crime.
Living in the city, I have noticed an increase in crime since I moved to Austin 25 years ago. I used to brag to my family members and friends about how safe Austin is. What do I tell them now?
Personally, I don't carry a gun. However, I feel like it is your right to carry a concealed weapon for protection, of course.
In my opinion, there should be some screening process before you are permitted to carry a handgun. It makes sense to be trained if you're going to carry a deadly weapon, and you really need to know how to handle your weapon properly if you're going to help anyone or defend yourself.
Then again, maybe events like the mass shootings might not occur at all or be stopped more quickly if more people are carrying and defending themselves. What do you think?
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