AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Lawmakers reached a deal Friday afternoon on a final version of a bill that would allow Texans to carry a handgun without a license, moving the bill one step closer to becoming law.
The agreement sends House Bill 1927 back to both chambers for a final, largely ceremonial vote, before it will head to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. Abbott has indicated he plans to sign the measure.
"The House and Senate conferees have reached an agreement on House Bill 1927, a critical benchmark before this bill reaches Gov. Abbott’s desk," the bill's sponsor, Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler), said in a statement. "By working together, the House and Senate will send Gov. Abbott the strongest Second Amendment legislation in Texas history, and protect the right of law-abiding Texans to carry a handgun as they exercise their God-given right to self-defense and the defense of their families. Speaker Dade Phelan has been rock-solid every step of the way as House Bill 1927 has progressed, and I am grateful for his leadership and the bipartisan coalition who supported House Bill 1927.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Friday afternoon that the bill will become eligible for a final vote early next week in the Senate, "and on that day we will celebrate this great Second Amendment victory."