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Bonnen pre-files gun bill
Published November 19, 2008
A local legislator pre-filed a bill that would make it legal for gun enthusiasts to buy weapons in states that don’t share a border with Texas.
State Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, filed House Bill 267 ahead of the 81st regular session of the Texas Legislature, which convenes Jan. 13. Bonnen said he authored the bill after a constituent told to him recently he couldn’t buy a rifle in Mississippi while on a trip.
“He just wanted to buy a .22 for hunting,” Bonnen said.
Texas law allows residents to buy a legal firearm only in the neighboring states of New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The current law passed at a time when the federal Gun Control Act prevented sales from non-contiguous states, Bonnen said.
But federal law has changed, allowing interstate sales of legal guns such as rifles, shotguns, ammunition, reloading components and firearms accessories.
“It’s just bringing us in line with U.S. law,” Bonnen said.
If passed, the bill would allow Texas residents to purchase a legal firearm in any state, he said.
Since the Supreme Court decision in June that ruled handgun bans violated the Second Amendment, Texas legislators should work to realign state gun laws with federal regulations, said Gary Broaddus, owner of Brazosport Security and Self Defense Institute. That includes allowing interstate sales for Texas residents, which already is federal law, he said.
“It’s the federal government that controls the purchase of firearms in the state,” Broaddus said. “There are certain things the states do not have the right to do.”
The bill would take effect Sept. 1 if enacted, according to a copy of the bill on the Texas Legislature Web site. To view a copy of the bill, visit www.capitol.state.tx.us.
John Tompkins is senior reporter for The Facts. Contact him at (979) 237-0149.
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