Houston, Tx –-(Ammoland.com)- The week of January 20th 2015 was taken up with meetings with House and Senate offices and by the inauguration of Lt. Governor Patrick and Governor Abbott.
This week, the NRA lobbyist and I met with House leadership plus staff and later in the week with the Lt. Governor.
On Wednesday, January 28th 2015, TSRA and NRA held our traditional Gala Reception for Texas government and staffers.
Our reception competes with dozens, held at the same time.
I’m pleased to report we had over 150 guests from Texas government: including Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton, Ag Commissioner Sid Miller, plus a very large number of Senators and House members, and staff from all over.
This two-hour party has kicked off the Legislative Session for decades.The event was hosted by TSRA officers, Doug DuBois, our executive director, TSRA and NRA staff, plus volunteer members of the TSRA legislative committee. Special thanks to Mike Cox, Mark Chambers, and Darryl Valdes.
Lt. Governor Patrick and Open Carry
I’m certain you’ll recall earlier in the week Lt. Governor Patrick was attributed to saying that open carry did not have Senate support.
Dan Patrick says the statement was a misunderstanding and incorrect.
The NRA lobbyist and I met with the Lt. Governor and his chief of staff on Thursday. I think we’re back on track.
- SB 346 by Sen. Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls), two-time TSRA Legislator of the Year, is gathering senate joint authors to demonstrate senate support for licensed open carry. The purpose of a joint author is to demonstrate support for an issue.
- HB 910 by Rep. Larry Phillips, Licensed Open Carry, is identical to SB 346. Rep. Phillips has gathered an impressive number of co-authors and more have committed.
Again, these two bills dealing with licensed open carry bills are identical. Click on the bill links above to read the language, to check the progress, and to verify that your state senator or state representative has signed on.
When you read bills remember that new language is underlined and deleted language is indicated by a line drawn through the words removed.
Please look over the website at www.tsra.com Legislative News.
TSRA and Students for Concealed Carry on Campus thank Senator Birdwell and Rep. Fletcher for filing Campus Carry bills.
The entire watch list is posted under Legislative News.
on the TSRA website. Click on the bill links to review issues we’re working on.
The Senate has organized into committees and should begin scheduling committee hearings soon. The House has 150 members and is working to begin their process also.
You Know TSRA Has Moved!
TSRA has moved to our new building: 8411 N. I-35, Austin, TX, 78753. The phone number is the same: 512-615-4200.
Remember to check out the new websites: www.tsra.com and www.tsrapac.com
Thanks for your continued gifts to the TSRA-PAC. We were able to successfully support the election and re-election of pro-gun candidates because of your donations to the TSRA-PAC.
Special thanks for recommending TSRA to your friends and family and for upgrading your membership. Membership keeps the lights on, the doors open and lets your voice be heard in Austin.
And as always,
Keep the faith.
Alice Tripp
Legislative Director
TSRA
About:The Mission of the Texas State Rifle Association is to protect and defend the inalienable rights of the individual Texan to acquire, possess, transport, carry, transfer ownership and enjoy the right to lawful use of firearms for self preservation, for the defense of family and property and the common defense of the Republic and the individual liberties of the people. Visit: www.TSRA.com