A new set of gun laws went into effect Sunday in Texas, just one day after seven people were killed in the latest mass shooting in Odessa.
The new laws will actually loosen the current gun restrictions as it gives Texans more opportunities to have firearms and store ammunition in public places, including churches and public schools.
The eight new gun laws in Texas will:
— Allow Texans with concealed carry permits to take guns into churches, synagogues and other places of worship unless the church posts signs prohibiting firearms on the premises.
— Prohibit landlords from banning tenants and their guests from having firearms on rental property.
— Forbid property owners’ associations from banning the storage of guns on rental properties.
— Remove a cap on the number of school marshals who carry guns at public and private schools. Armed marshals were previously limited to one per 200 students or per building.
— Bar school districts from prohibiting people with handgun licenses from storing guns and ammunition in their vehicles in school parking lots as long as the weapons and ammo are out of sight.
— Allow foster homes to store guns and ammunition in locked gun vaults.
— Permit Texans to carry handguns without a license in areas declared disaster zones.
— Defend licensed gun owners who unknowingly enter designated gun-free zones as long as they leave after being told about the policy.
The NRA applauded the measures that were signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott after the most recent legislative session in June. The laws take effect today, September 1st.
