[ad_1]
TEXAS — The Texas Senate last week passed a bill that would prohibit Texas state agencies or entities from contracting with companies who refuse to do business with firearm companies or firearm trade associations.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the National Rifle Association are backing the proposed legislation, saying it addresses “discrimination against the firearms industry.”
If it passes, Senate Bill 19 would prevent any company from receiving contracts from the state or other government agencies valued at $100,000 or more “unless the company verifies in writing that it does not have an internal policy or directive that discriminates against members of the lawful firearm or ammunition industries.”
Republican sponsors of the bill said in their analysis of the proposed legislation that the bill was necessary to “ensure that any company in Texas with a policy that attempts to restrict gun or ammunition sales will not be allowed to benefit from tax dollars through state contracts.”
The bill was listed as one of Patrick’s top 30 priorities at the beginning of the Texas Legislature’s 87th session, which began in January. He’s labeled it the “Stop Corporate Gun Boycotts” bill.
The bill passed in the Senate on April 15 and now awaits committee hearings and a vote in the State House.
“Large banks and other financial institutions in our country have quietly enacted policies to restrict gun sales and exert pressure on the firearm industry,” the bill’s lead sponsor, Sen. Charles Schwertner, a Republican from Georgetown, said in his filings for the proposed legislation. “These institutions hold our money and attempt to use financial pressure to infringe upon our Second Amendment rights. This is unacceptable.”
In 2018, Bank of America said it would stop financing companies making “military-style firearms” for civilian use. That same year, Citibank said it would place new requirements on its customers who sell firearms to restrict their sales to customers who have gone through a background check and are over the age of 21. The bank at the time said it would stop working with companies that sold “bump stocks” or high-capacity magazines.
The banks’ announcements came in the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida that killed 17 people.
The passage of Senate Bill 19 in the Senate follows a series of gun-related bills working their way through the 87th Legislature.
Most notably, the Texas House last week passed a permitless carry bill, which would allow all Texans over the age of 21 to carry a handgun, openly or concealed, under a provision often referred to by gun lobbyists as “constitutional carry.”
Currently, Texans must first pass a safety course and background check required to get a license to carry a handgun openly or concealed.
Gun reform advocates have decried the bill’s passage, saying it would eliminate safeguards and potentially pose a threat to public safety.
Permitless carry and the bill addressing “discrimination against the firearms industry” are part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s and the lieutenant governor’s push this legislative session to make it easier to own and carry guns easier in Texas, said Gyl Switzer, the executive director of Texas Gun Sense.
Texas Gun Sense is a non-profit, nonpartisan group that lobbies for “common sense, evidence-based policies to reduce gun injuries and deaths.”
Should it pass, Texas would become the fourteenth state to allow permitless carry, bringing national attention to the debate around the law.
Despite the national attention around the debate on the Texas bill, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick this week said he did not believe there were enough votes in the Senate to pass the bill and get it to the governor to sign into law.
However, dozens of other bills filed this session prioritized by the lieutenant governor and backed by Abbott related to firearms have moved quickly through both chambers.
“The permitless carry bill is the most comprehensive, so, unfortunately, the others, I would think, would have a pretty good chance of passing,” Switzer said.
[ad_2]
Source link
72503 708400HURRAY! cant balladeer. by virtue of himself by what name highly. 151797
683120 418692Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything such as this before. So nice to get somebody with some original thoughts on this topic. realy we appreciate you starting this up. this fabulous internet site are some points that is required on the internet, somebody with slightly originality. beneficial function for bringing a new challenge on the world wide web! 246451
762557 746212Definitely composed written content , thanks for info . 652568
199543 76815I adore your wordpress web template, wherever would you download it from? 946055
651527 873514I adore what you guys are up too. Such clever function and exposure! Maintain up the extremely great works guys Ive incorporated you guys to my own blogroll. 789997
869514 130879Hiya! Wonderful weblog! I happen to be a daily visitor to your internet site (somewhat a lot more like addict ) of this web site. Just wanted to say I appreciate your blogs and am looking forward for far more to come! 807506
175247 16067Why didnt I think about this? I hear exactly what youre saying and Im so happy that I came across your weblog. You truly know what youre talking about, and you produced me feel like I really should learn far more about this. Thanks for this; Im officially a huge fan of your weblog 594849
112513 283426It can be difficult to write about this subject. I believe you did an superb job though! Thanks for this! 122681
708734 994173youve got an critical weblog proper here! would you wish to make some invite posts on my blog? 639649
115543 36659Up to now, you demand to term of hire an absolute truck or van and will also be removal equipments to valuable items plus check out the new destination. From the long run, which finish up with are couple of issues except anxiety moreover stress and anxiety. removals stockport 364048
602845 707516Also, weblog often and with interesting material to keep individuals interested in coming back and checking for updates. 734889
636242 808362Glad to be one of many visitants on this awing internet internet site : D. 753431
876853 624879I havent checked in here for some time because I thought it was finding boring, but the last few posts are truly excellent quality so I guess Ill add you back to my every day bloglist. You deserve it my friend. insurance guides 686358
282444 406203Id should verify with you here. Which isnt something I often do! I take pleasure in reading a post that could make men and women believe. Furthermore, thanks for permitting me to comment! 528785