On Wednesday, the Texas House Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee advanced several key pieces of legislation backed by Texas Gun Rights (TXGR), signaling a major step forward for gun owners across the Lone Star State.
Among the bills approved in committee:
- HB 1128, which repeals “gun-free zones” for election judges and restores their right to carry while performing civic duties.
- HB 1337, establishing universal license-to-carry reciprocity with all 50 states.
- HB 1794, allowing concealed carry at polling locations, effectively dismantling arbitrary carry bans during elections.
- HB 3428, which penalizes businesses that falsely post “51%” signs—typically used to ban carry—when they are not designated as such by the TABC.
- SB 1596, which removes Short-Barreled Firearms (SBRs) from the state’s prohibited weapons list, signaling yet another strike against outdated gun control measures.
Then of, course three major TXGR-endorsed bills are awaiting placement on the House calendar:
- HB 170 (Kyle’s Law), which protects law-abiding self-defenders from civil lawsuits after justified use of force.
- HB 2458, which provides a legal defense for Texans who threaten deadly force in self-defense scenarios—a response to the growing criminalization of merely displaying a weapon.
- HB 644, offering civil liability protections for pro-gun businesses that allow customers to carry on their premises.
These bills have already passed their respective House Committees and are waiting for full House consideration.
Yet the most significant update of the week: State Rep. Cole Hefner pledged to that he would carry two critical Senate bills in the House.
One is the State Fair Bill (SB 1065), which eliminates “gun-free zone” loopholes on taxpayer-owned property, including the state fair and other public venues.
“This progress is no accident,” McNutt said. “It’s the result of thousands of gun owners who answered the call—signing petitions, sending postcards, calling their lawmakers, and refusing to back down.”
TXGR has launched targeted digital ad campaigns and voter outreach to hold legislators accountable and keep the pressure on in key districts.
“We’re this close to banning Red Flag Laws in Texas, eliminating gun-free zones, and protecting lawful self-defenders,” McNutt added. “But we can only finish the fight with continued grassroots pressure—and that means your support.”
