Should I bother to get TXCHL?

[Jumping Frog]

I'll be moving to Texas, and already have Ohio and Florida CHL's.

I see there is some value in taking a Texas course to cover the Texas-specific law. There is also some theoretical value in having a Texas license and the whole Federal GFSZ issue, although I believe the issue is largely theoretical as there are very, very, very few prosecutions over federal school zone issues for otherwise law-abiding citizens.

On the other hand, I would describe myself as an "experienced concealed carrier" well-versed not only in firearms handling, but also Ohio concealed carry law (I answer most of the law-related questions on an Ohio CHL forum). I've spent a little over a month reading Texas concealed carry law and believe I have a pretty strong grasp on the similarities and differences. Believe me, I am fully aware that regardless of what license sits in the wallet, I am ultimately responsible for knowing the law and acting lawfully in whatever state I happen to be within.

Between starting a new challenging job that will take spending a lot of hours at work, selling the old house, moving, etc., simply finding the time to get licensed in Texas will be a challenge.

So there is part of me that thinks the money I'd spent on taking the CHL course plus the Texas license is money that I'd get more utility from spending on a new gun, reloading components, or other fun stuff.

What do you think? (flame suit on)

[Charles L. Cotton]

I would get a Texas CHL because I think it simplifies things if you get stopped on traffic, or otherwise have to show your ID and CHL to a LEO. That said, you can carry on your Florida license, at least as of now. The whole "Utah problem" has not gone away and it will come up in the 2011 Texas Legislative Session. There are some in Austin who think Texas residents should be able to carry only on a Texas CHL. Whether this opinion widespread and does it have enough support to pass is unknown at this time.

Chas.

[RHenriksen]

You're not the first to travel this path. There have been other people who've posted about the same scenario here, and the consensus always boils down to, 'get the local CHL'.

A quick archive search should pull up those threads...

[Dragonfighter]

There are several things to consider. The first is how you intend to carry. If you are strictly a range-hunting-driving kinda person there is the standard MPA allowing an accessible, concealed handgun in your vehicle.

If you intend to carry, Florida CHL is honored in Texas. Of course compliance with TEXAS CCW laws and requirements apply. That said it would be advisable to use your FL license as a stop gap until you have your Texas CHL. My reasoning is this:

Even if you maintain the FL license as a non-resident license (don't know if they still have this status available) and get it updated with a current Texas address, you may find yourself the focus of undue scrutiny following a LEO encounter...and this may far exceed the cost of securing Texas borne credentials. Just my opinion and your mileage, as well as others' opinions, may vary.

And from one Buckeye...ahem I mean naturalized Texan, welcome to the great Republic of Texas.

Blast it all, those with faster fingers...

[KFP]

Where are you moving from and where are you moving too?

I lived in central Ohio as well. Bad loss over the weekend...

[Teamless]

Bad loss over the weekend...

Any OSU loss is a GOOD Loss! -- Go Blue!!

[KFP]

My friend was explaining this to another friend of ours who claims to like Michigan. Simply put - his nephew who is in first grade, has never seen OSU lose to Michigan.

BTW - I vote for getting your Texas CHL as soon as time permits.

[The Annoyed Man]

"Get it and be done with it," says I.









Yaaarrgghhh, and all that.......

[Ameer]

If you keep your Ohio DL and Ohio license plates then the "Utah Problem" is not a problem for you. I think having a CHL and DL and license plates from a progun state is the best solution to the (people who can't be described without violating forum rules) who are threatening Texas gun rights in 2011.

[Jumping Frog]

Thanks for the replies, people.

I think I'll carry under the authority of my Florida CHL for now, but will take the opportunity to get the Texas one sometime down the road when life settles back down.

[hirundo82]

Between starting a new challenging job that will take spending a lot of hours at work, selling the old house, moving, etc., simply finding the time to get licensed in Texas will be a challenge.

Welcome to Texas!

If you will be too busy with the move to take the Texas CHL course immediately, I would carry on your Florida license until you find the time to take the Texas class. As Charles said, you can avoid confusion and potential misunderstandings with law enforcement by having a Texas license.

If you've done your reading, there's not much that you will learn in the CHL course. Many of the instructors out there actually contribute to confusion about the law due to passing on outdated or just plain wrong information. The best place to learn about Texas firearm law is right here on this forum.