Bobby Singleton introduces bill reinstating gun permits for open, conceal carry

Sen. Bobby Singleton has introduced a bill that would repeal the constitutional carry law passed in 2022 in order to restrict who can possess a gun, said a press release on Friday. 

"The laws in our state say an individual can have open carry and permit-less carry," said Singleton. "So, we took the tools out of the toolbox for law enforcement to even be able to ask a person carrying a gun for identification or to be able to check to see if they have that gun legally." 

"What my bill will do is allow anyone who is going to carry a gun either concealed or open to have to get a permit. We want to bring the permits back. This will allow law abiding citizens to go through background checks, and mental health checks to make sure that only law-abiding citizens can have guns." 

The press release stated that constitutional carry was "overwhelmingly" opposed by law enforcement agencies as they received revenue from permits and had better oversight regarding legal ownership of guns. 

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum was among those who opposed the legislation. Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham similarly voiced his opposition. 

"The current law puts a lot restrictions on law enforcement," he said. "We're hearing about more encounters because everyone has a gun." 

Download PDF