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1993-04-16
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04/14/1993
AUSTIN, Texas (UPI) -- Prolonged debate on a proposed 1994-95
state budget forced the Texas House Wednesday to postpone
consideration of a bill that would allow Texans to carry concealed
handguns.
Earlier Wednesday, representatives of several law enforcement
groups made what they thought would be a last-ditch appeal for House
members to reject the controversial bill.
Bruce Glasscock, legislative chairman of the Texas Police Chiefs
Association, said the proposed gun law would not reduce violent
crime as its supporters claim and that licensing provisions in the
bill are unworkable.
Tommy Britt of the Houston Police Officers Association said he
believed many lawmakers are supporting the bill because of strong
lobbying efforts by the National Rifle Association.
Britt said, "Legislators are afraid of the NRA. The Legislature
is being held hostage by a very powerful lobby."
The House was scheduled to vote Wednesday on the bill --
sponsored by Rep. Bill Carter, R-Fort Worth, and Rep. Ron Wilson,
D-Houston -- but a prolonged debate on the appropriations bill
forced a postponement. The House may take up the handgun measure
later this week.
The bill would allow Texans to carry concealed handguns if they
take a safety course, pay a fee and meet other requirements
necessary to obtain a license.
Supporters said similar legislation has worked in other states.
They argue that it would merely legalize what a number of otherwise
law- abiding Texans are already doing -- carrying weapons to protect
themselves against violent crime.