Hello everyone. New to the forum and also a new CHL holder. Figured I would offer a few new facts that may help people for my first post.

Curious to hear opinions on new laws kicking in September 1 in Texas. Some of these include:

1 - Auto/switchblade knives will be legal (still have 5.5 inch limit)

2 - language to clarify the unintentional display of a firearm by a concealed handgun licensee. The language changed from “failure to conceal” to “intentional display of a weapon in a public place” when force or deadly force is not authorized.

3 - Only 4 hours class time to get a new CHL (still have about 1.5 hours on range to qualify). Don't flame me, but I have mixed emotions on this one. I actually enjoyed the education and part of me feels people are being short-changed by not having a full education on the laws.

Thoughts?

I believe safety should be first. Not sure how this will actually affect the safety but it's not helping it. Although, I still haven't got my CHL (keep putting it off) so I have mixed feelings about it as well.

Having taken the CHL class and carry on a regular basis, a shorter class room time frame is no biggie. There was SO much time wasted in our class and other classes as well just trying to fill the time.


I do like the change in the wording of the law.

I think four hours is plenty.

As a CHL holder for over 11 years I agree

I agree too. There was so much wasted time trying to meet the time requirement.

I also like the fact you no longer need to take a renewal class.

The auto knives still have to be single edged. Duel edged blades are still illegal.

Are you sure about no class for renewal?

I've heard rumors that starting 9/1 you can qualify with a wheel-gun and carry whatever you want. Makes sense as this isn't a weapons class, but a law class.

Any word on this? Just curious.

Yep renewals can be done all online. And no differentiation for types of handgun.

I hear you. I felt there could have been substantive material added in to make that 8 hours of class time worth it. Go over more court cases, scenarios, etc....

4 hours is fine, if it is the right 4 hours.

Have they reduced the $140 fee to get the license?

This one actually became effective on 06-14-13. They removed the "of the same category" requirement for CHL's.