Texas CHL Reciprocity: A Different Perspective

[KFP]

From the outside looking in, Texas does a pretty good job of establishing reciprocity agreements with other states. Some states get unilateral recognition, but from their perspective it doesn't matter, they're able to carry on their license in Texas.

47 out of 50 states offer licenses to carry a handgun. Vermont does not offer a license. IL and WI are the holdouts.

Out of those 47, Texas recognizes 41 (including TX).

Why don't we recognize these 6 states?

Maine?
Minnesota?
New Hampshire?
Ohio - Does not generally do a federal background check. Do the other 40?
Oregon?
West Virginia?

I got curious and took a look at which states we don't recognize. I'm far from an expert on the listed states, but I'm curious to know how those states differ so much in their training requirements from the other 41 states. So, I'm soliciting the experts of the forum for ideas. What do you know about the above states? Why don't we recognize them?

[Oldgringo]

Quite frankly, I'm more concerned with what states that don't recognize my Texas CHL. I'm concerned to the extent that we won't visit those states and spend our tourist dollars or offer our volunteer services.

As for those states that Texas doesn't recognize, they just have to get right.

[Skiprr]

Quite frankly, I'm more concerned with what states that don't recognize my Texas CHL.

In many cases, I believe you'll find the issue is the eligible age for a license. Texas allows for licensees to be at least 18--and rightfully so--if they are active or honorably-discharged U.S. military. Some of the states that won't reciprocally recognize the Texas CHL don't do so because their own state laws stipulate the licensee be at least 21 years old.

About the OP's original question...I don't know. Knowledgeable folks will chime in soon...

[hirundo82]

I think that Washington is the only state where the issuance of licenses to a few people under 21 causes an issue for reciprocity.

I don't know what the issue is with Ohio and New Hampshire--neither of those have a required federal criminal background check required, but neither do some states with which we have reciprocity (Alabama comes to mind immediately).

We should have reciprocity with West Virginia, but they have only improved their reciprocity provisions in the past couple of years and the TX AG's office may have not contacted them recently.

Maine and Oregon don't tend to have much reciprocity; I don't think Oregon recognizes anyone else's licenses.

We really should honor MInnesota's permit--they honor ours and it would be polite to reciprocate.

Honestly I'd like us to honor all permits by law; a number of states have passed laws doing that without any issues.

[TXlaw1]

I think that Washington is the only state where the issuance of licenses to a few people under 21 causes an issue for reciprocity.

For clarity, are you saying Texas CHL holder CANNOT carry in Washington state?

[Oldgringo]

I think that Washington is the only state where the issuance of licenses to a few people under 21 causes an issue for reciprocity.

For clarity, are you saying Texas CHL holder CANNOT carry in Washington state?

Look here for reciprocity answers.

[AggieMM]

For clarity, are you saying Texas CHL holder CANNOT carry in Washington state?

And don't forget our map.



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Ryan

[Oldgringo]

For clarity, are you saying Texas CHL holder CANNOT carry in Washington state?

And don't forget our map.



Link --> viewtopic.php?f=9&t=4738" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ryan

ABSOLUTELY! This map is a sticky under CHL Checklist

[DoubleJ]

I feel compelled to speak on this topic, as I currently live in Washington.

as was mentioned in another thread eons ago ( ) Washington doesn't recognize the Texas license because of the 18yo age thing.
Before moving here, I gained a Utah license so I would be squared away once here. After I had lived here the necessary 3 months, I applied and obtained my Washington license. Now I have a deck of licenses I can pert near play Gin Rummy with!

I can field most questions about Washington, but bear in mind I've only lived here for ~1year.

[KFP]

Honestly I'd like us to honor all permits by law; a number of states have passed laws doing that without any issues.

I agree, but we seem to come as close as possible without being required to do so. I just struggle to understand why we recognize most states, but not these six. The lack of reciprocity with NH and OH seems interesting when AL seems to have the same "issue".

[hirundo82]

Honestly I'd like us to honor all permits by law; a number of states have passed laws doing that without any issues.

I agree, but we seem to come as close as possible without being required to do so. I just struggle to understand why we recognize most states, but not these six. The lack of reciprocity with NH and OH seems interesting when AL seems to have the same "issue".

I think it is an issue about the TX AG's office not being as aggressive at pursuing reciprocity agreements as they once were. When I was a new CHL (2006 or so), we were adding states every few months. However, the DPS reciprocity page doesn't show us accepting any new states since 01/2007, and only adding Nebraska in 2009 (when they got a good reciprocity law and decided to honor TX CHLs).

I agree that there are states that we need to add. Nevada is another one that has a number of permits they honor but Texas is not one of them.

Since Oregon and Maine don't negotiate reciprocity agreements in general, my list would be:

-New Hampshire
-Ohio
-West Virginia
-Minnesota
-Nevada

That would give us all the shall-issue states that have allowances for reciprocity, except for WA since they are being contrary.

[AggieMM]

I think it is an issue about the TX AG's office not being as aggressive at pursuing reciprocity agreements as they once were. When I was a new CHL (2006 or so), we were adding states every few months. However, the DPS reciprocity page doesn't show us accepting any new states since 01/2007, and only adding Nebraska in 2009 (when they got a good reciprocity law and decided to honor TX CHLs).

And it looks like DPS needs to update their website, as this is now not correct:

April 14, 2005 Iowa

Note: Texas Governor Rick Perry signed a unilateral proclamation recognizing Iowa Concealed Handgun Licenses on April 14, 2005 allowing citizens with concealed handgun licenses issued by Iowa to legally carry concealed handguns in Texas. This is not a reciprocal agreement, therefore, Texas Concealed Handgun Licenses holders may NOT carry concealed handguns in Iowa.

Any CHL instructors have any DPS names to send updates too?

Ryan

[Ameer]

I think the unilateral proclamations should be in effect for only one year. During that time Texas should try to negotiate reciprocity with the other state. If they cooperate, the citizens of both states benefit from the reciprocal agreement. However, if they don't cooperate, we should drop the unilateral recognition after the year is over. Quid pro quo.

[hirundo82]

I understand the opinion that we shouldn't recognize permits from states that don't recognize ours, but that only hurts residents of states that don't negotiate reciprocity agreements--the politicians in these states for the most part couldn't care less whether citizens of their state can carry in Texas.

As long as they meet the criteria Texas has set out, I think we should let them carry.

[Ameer]

They can get a Texas nonresident license if they're not willing to elect rulers who understand reciprocity.