How Texas Gun Law Has Changed Since Constitutional Carry

Since HB 1927 took effect September 1, 2021, the big change is permitless carry. Related tweaks landed in 2023 and 2025 sessions.

Texas gun law has moved in a pro-owner direction since 2021. Here’s the summary a current Texas gun owner should know.

HB 1927 (2021): Constitutional carry

The landmark change. Qualified Texans 21+ (now practically 18+ following federal court decisions) can carry a handgun without an LTC in most public places. Handgun must be in a holster. Location restrictions remain in force.

Church carry expansion

Prior legislative sessions expanded carry authorization in houses of worship. The default is now “carry allowed” unless the congregation posts a compliant 30.06 or 30.07 sign.

Business preemption strengthened

Texas continues to preempt local governments from passing their own firearm regulations that go beyond state law. Cities cannot ban carry, cannot require permits, and cannot regulate ammunition sales beyond what state law allows.

Firearms Manufacturing Protection Act (2021)

Texas passed protections for firearms and ammunition manufacturers operating in the state, shielding them from certain federal enforcement actions if the products remain in-state.

Anti-Red Flag Act (2023)

Texas passed legislation prohibiting state and local officials from enforcing or participating in extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), often called “red flag” laws. Texas does not have and cannot administer a state red flag process.

Federal court effects on carry age

Following Firearms Policy Coalition v. McCraw and related cases, the 21-year-old minimum for handgun carry was struck down as it applied to qualifying 18 to 20-year-old adults. Texas DPS adjusted LTC application processing accordingly.

What hasn’t changed

• Federal law still governs FFL purchases at 21 for handguns.
• Federal NFA rules still apply to suppressors, SBRs, and machine guns.
• Location restrictions in Texas Penal Code 46.03 remain.
• Prohibited-person rules are unchanged.

Texas is one of the friendliest states in the country for lawful gun owners. Stay current, because the legal landscape does still shift session to session.

Stay safe. Semper Fi.
Gunny

Straight talk: This is education, not legal advice. Gun law changes. Consult a Texas attorney for your specific situation, and always confirm current rules with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the ATF.