Texas "Guns on Demand" bill

Texas House Bill 357 (get it? 357?) sponsored by  Johnathon Stickland (R-Bedford) has been sent to the Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee. From Texas Scorecard:

Recently, State Rep. Jonathan Stickland (R–Bedford) filed a bill to allow permitless carry of a firearm, a Republican Party of Texas Legislative Priority, designating it House Bill 357. Conservatives and pro-gun Texans will recognize the bill number from the popular handgun caliber, .357 Magnum.

Get it? 357? Isn't that just cute? HB357 is called "Constitutional Carry" and would allow anyone to open carry a gun without training, without a background check, and without a concealed handgun license. Stickland carried the bill for open carry allowing the open display of guns except in certain areas. It has had no effect on crime or prevention.

This bill is supported by the Texas Republican Party and has a few sponsors with no companion bill in the Senate. Discussions with local Representative's staff shows little support in the Senate or the House. Hopefully this lack of interest will continue. Baby Briscoe Cain out of Deer Park and Mayes "Money" Middleton of Galveston have signed onto the bill. Both of these are from the far white wing of the republican party. Baby Briscoe is known for flashing his gun at the Texas Democratic Convention last summer and being escorted out. Money Middleton self financed his run for State House for a tune of $2.5 Million, with $2.25 Million coming from his own pocket.

Hopefully this bill will never see the light of day. It truly defies common sense. Here are the authors and sponsors:

Author Stickland

11/14/2018

Joint Authors	Date Signed On
Biedermann	02/06/2019
Middleton	02/06/2019
Lang	02/06/2019
White	02/19/2019

Coauthors (10)	Date Signed On
Cain	02/19/2019
Hefner	02/19/2019
Krause	02/19/2019
Metcalf	02/19/2019
Oliverson	02/19/2019
Patterson	02/19/2019
Schaefer	02/19/2019
Tinderholt	02/19/2019
Toth	02/19/2019
Zedler