While passage of HB 1927, NRA-backed constitutional carry legislation, dominated the news yesterday, another important NRA-supported measure received final passage in the Texas Senate with bipartisan support: House Bill 1500, by Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant) & Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), passed by a vote of 23-7.  This critical legislation establishes that firearm and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, suppliers and retailers are essential businesses that shall not be prohibited by state or local officials from operating during a declared disaster or emergency.  This bill ensures that law-abiding Texans can exercise their constitutional right to purchase and own firearms during future disasters or emergencies, regardless of any statewide or local officeholder’s personal politics.  

Thank you to the bill authors, to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for prioritizing this issue in the Senate, and Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) for special assistance with the measure on the Senate floor.  The legislation, which also had the strong support of House Speaker Dade Phelan and 62 House co-authors, now heads to Governor Abbott for his signature!

Article by NRA-ILA