How would you improve the Texas CHL program?

[frazzled]

interesting that out of 10 or 12 responses so far, 90% or more are in favor of stricter gun control in TX rather than returning to Constitutional principles... that on a CHL forum.

It may be the way the question is formed, thus why I answered two ways. No one in their right mind on here would advocate more restrictions.

Everyone here would agree the right way to handle it would be to allow anyone to carry a weapon without even applying for permission.

It sounds like what is wanted is more quality and less hoop jumping.

[Dragonfighter]

I like Vermont's...something like, "It is lawful to carry a firearm openly or concealed provided the firearm is not carried with the intent or avowed purpose of injuring a fellow man. There is no permit required to carry concealed." Simple, if you're not intent on a crime, carry away if you are a BG a permit wouldn't have made the difference anyway (my interpretation). See, common sense does survive in small pockets.

[saltydog]

Provision should be made for automatic extension of ALL State Licenses for all of our deployed.

Its just flat 'wrong' not to have that extension in place. CHL, CDL, CPA, Barber, it doesn't matter.

Rant Off.

salty

[karder]

I agree that the cost seems too high and it takes way too long to get. I also am not too crazy about being fingerprinted. They have our names, addresses, and social security numbers, so they know who we are. Personally, I think that the SA and NSA designations seem a bit unnecessary. Overall though, I feel that we are lucky to live in a country and state that honors the rights of it's citizens to carry, so I am not complaining.

[CompVest]

Not have DPS run it. It is a civilian license not a LEO thing.

[5thGenTexan]

Compvest driving a car isn't a LEO thing either but the DPS administers it also. I agree the fees are too high but disagree that I want to be around some of the people that would carry if there was no license requirement. I know a lot of people that even after taking the course and passing I am uncomfortable knowing their absent minded hot tempered @55 are acarying a loded weapon. Besides unrestricted carry would actually put greater restrictions on those of us that would like the ability to legally carry in other states, even unrestricted Alaska offers a license for the people that want to carry in the lower 48 while visiting or vacationing.

[eyesoftexas]

I'd like to see lower fees and shorter processing times. I'm not in favor of adding/increasing any state requirements (e.g., making the shooting test harder, etc.).

As a general observation I'd be interested to see the availability of more organized, higher quality instruction. I mean that solely from a business perspective. I'm not talking about over-regulating CHL instructors.

Candidly, most classes are fine when it comes to covering the statutory minimum. It'd just be nice to see some entity offer a high quality, more robust product of which perhaps the state CHL stuff is just a part. There's a lot of value that could be added.

I've thought about pursuing the opportunity myself (entrepreneur, attorney, ardent 2A supporter). That said, I'm not yet convinced the market for such a product is large enough.

[Charles L. Cotton]

I cannot support any change that makes it more difficult, expensive or troublesome to obtain a CHL. The trend needs to be toward less regulation, not more.

Chas.

[pbwalker]

with the Vermont and Alaska point...

[mgood]

A Vermont/Alaska system would be ideal, IMO, though maybe not very realistic at this time.

So CHL being allowed to carry anywhere an LEO may carry would be a good goal.

[C-dub]

In no particular order other than how they came into my head.

I would like to see more enforcement or penalties from the state on places and municipalities illegally posting 30.06.

I would like a requirement that for a business to post a 30.06 sign it must be in a conspicuous place at all entrances or it is not valid.

I would like the cost lowered.

I would like the restriction on any sporting event removed.

I would not only like campus carry, but school carry. All schools!

I would like the Parking Lot bill with nothing about a fence or controlled access or any other restriction.

I would like a cookie, but my Hershey's bar with almonds will have to do. And a glass of milk.

[RHenriksen]

Lower cost.
Lowering the requirements would have an adverse effect on the # of states with which we currently have reciprocity.
pass the campus carry bill
pass the parking lot bill
Make private businesses who post 30.06 responsible for my medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering & so on if I'm injured through any criminal activity while denied my ability to defend myself

[ghostrider]

Ideally, I'd like to see the system 'upgraded' to a system with a $10 fee to cover the cost of the wallet sized, laminated copy of the 2nd amendment on one side and Texas constitutional equivalent on the other side :-)

Realistically? I'd like to see some of the restrictions (campus, parking lots, 51% establishments) go away.

[gemini]

I cannot support any change that makes it more difficult, expensive or troublesome to obtain a CHL. The trend needs to be toward less regulation, not more.

Chas.

I agree. And maybe a few legislative "tweeks" to existing CHL law for clarity, since there seems to be no
specific case law defining certain words or phrases as currently written.

In no particular order other than how they came into my head.

I would like to see more enforcement or penalties from the state on places and municipalities illegally posting 30.06.

I would like a requirement that for a business to post a 30.06 sign it must be in a conspicuous place at all entrances or it is not valid.

I would like the cost lowered.

I would like the restriction on any sporting event removed.

I would not only like campus carry, but school carry. All schools!

I would like the Parking Lot bill with nothing about a fence or controlled access or any other restriction.

I would like a cookie, but my Hershey's bar with almonds will have to do. And a glass of milk.

I agree TOTALLY! I'd also like to see legislation making it specifically illegal for any entity (private OR public)
from collecting, creating a log or data base, requiring any type of disclosure, recording in any fashion, or requesting, the personal
information of any CHL holder for ANY reason. That would include name, address etc etc etc. (excludes LEO etc for official LEO business)

Legislative action that would have some punitive penalties for municipalities that post 30.06 in areas where it
contradicts state law. Because I believe such postings are in reckless disregard of CHL (would be plaintiffs) rights.

Legislative action that would allow carry in 51% locations by CHL would be nice. However, I don't see that as happening
anytime soon. So, I'd like to see carry in 51% locations by non-imbibing (designated drivers or folks eating in a bar) CHL allowed.

I like home made brownies with a glass of cold milk.

[ScottDLS]

A Vermont/Alaska system would be ideal, IMO, though maybe not very realistic at this time.

So CHL being allowed to carry anywhere an LEO may carry would be a good goal.

I'm not really so convinced on the Vermont thing. My understanding is that Vermont does not have local preemption, so cities/towns can bar carry. Also, no provision for carrying in "Federal Gun Free" school zone for Vermont because there is no State issued permit. No reciprocity for Vermont, because there is no Vermont permit. No waiver of federal background check when buying a handgun, etc., etc.

Vermont is kind of a "lefty" state w/ lots of rich Mass. and New York anti-gun types moving in. I wouldn't be surprised to see them pass a handgun carry prohibition. I'm kind of partial to New Hampshire which has a very inexpensive permit and very broad authority to carry.

My understanding is that Alaska kept their permit even though none is required to carry, so that they could cover all these other requirements.