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Recent Articles By Glenna Whitley

National Features

An amendment to Texas' so-called "traveling rule" regarding concealed handguns went into effect September 1 with hardly anyone noticing, though it comes close to gutting the law requiring Texans to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

House Bill 1815, championed by both the National Rifle Association and the American Civil Liberties Union, clarified the 2005 statute allowing residents to carry a concealed weapon for protection while "traveling" in a private vehicle without a concealed weapon permit.

Most district attorneys and police agencies around the state have construed the definition of traveling narrowly.

According to a study by Scott Henson, with the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, 13 county or district attorneys—including those in Houston and Fort Worth—instructed officers to quiz motorists found in possession of weapons about their travel plans or simply arrest them, seize the weapon and let the prosecutors sort it out. The questioning could get ridiculous: Visiting Grandma in another county was OK; getting groceries was not OK.

The burden fell on the motorist to prove he was "traveling" and thus allowed to carry a concealed gun without a permit.

The new law, the first bill Governor Rick Perry signed from the last session of the Legislature, now allows gun owners without a permit to carry a concealed gun both "to and from" their premises and their vehicles. Guns can be carried in cars with a few restrictions: They must be hidden from plain view, and the owner cannot be involved in criminal activity or a criminal street gang or otherwise prohibited by law from carrying a weapon.

In other words, if you're caught carrying a concealed pistol on the street and don't have a permit, tell the cop you're walking between your car and your home, either getting ready to travel somewhere or coming home. The burden now falls on the police officer to prove you are not really "traveling," which Dallas District Attorney Craig Watkins says is virtually impossible.

"If you read the new statute, it essentially does away with the concealed handgun law," Watkins says. As of September 1, his office no longer accepted most UCW (unlawfully carrying a weapon) charges that involved the "traveling" issue and dismissed pending cases.

"Actually we didn't really have a choice," Watkins says. "The law had changed, and some of the individuals could have fallen under the old statute, but it would be an unfair standard if we prosecuted them. And it's impossible now for us to prove those charges when we get them. Now it makes it the responsibility of the state to disprove that a person is on their way to or from their car, and that's pretty difficult to prove. It does a disservice to law enforcement. They have to prove this person was not on their way to somewhere. Why should they even bother [to arrest them]? I see it as a possibility for a lot of individuals with criminal intent to be carrying weapons."

The change has some police officers grumbling.

"It's insane," says one Dallas officer, who asked not to be named. "They basically destroyed the concealed gun law. We're letting drug dealers with Glocks under the seat go and say have a nice day. In the past we could have charged them at least with a weapons violation and confiscated the gun. Texas is wide open now. It's a huge story. This has just gone under everyone's radar."

Though felons are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon, the officer says most police officers can't do thorough criminal background checks during traffic stops.

The officer says that Dallas patrol cops have received no information or training on the change in the law. A call to the Dallas police media office prompted puzzlement. "No one's told us," says Sergeant Gil Cerda. "We have yet to receive a legal briefing on that."

The Mesquite Police Department has informed its officers about the change, says a department spokesman, as has the Plano Police Department. Rick McDonald, public information officer for Plano, says that the change in the law may be more far-reaching than its supporters intended.

"It's a law for honest people and good citizens to stand their ground," McDonald says. "Now you can defend yourself in a carjacking. You don't have to retreat."

He says the Dallas Observer is the first media outlet to ask him about the change.

"Some of the smaller agencies may not know about this," McDonald says. Because Plano P.D. has an in-house lawyer who keeps officers up to speed on legal issues, most Plano officers have already had in-service training on this and other new laws, McDonald says. (The last session of the Texas Legislature was good for gun owners. The so-called "castle doctrine" was also modified and now gives citizens more leeway in the use of deadly force to protect one's home or place of business. It also limits the ability of criminals to sue for damages.)

"There's a lot more to this concealed weapon thing," McDonald says. "I work some off-duty at a church, and they have posted 'no gun' signs. A lot more employers need to be brought up to speed. I expect more employers and businesses to come out with rules" limiting possession of firearms on the premises.

Another unintended consequence, says McDonald, is the likelihood that more weapons, stuck in glove compartments or under seats, will be stolen from cars.

The ramifications will take a while to percolate through the system. But the bottom line is: "If you've got a car," says a Dallas officer, "you can carry a gun."

Of course, convincing a cop you were walking directly between your car and home when you're parked 20 miles from your house may be a stretch. Try telling them you're just extremely health-conscious.

Write Your Comment show comments (29)

  1. Your story has seriously confused two laws passed by the Legislature last session. Senate Bill 378, the so-called "Castle Doctrine" law is the one that removed "duty to retreat" language, and extended the protection you enjoyed in your home to your automobile and place of business, and anywhere you had a legal right to be. Senate Bill 378 was the first piece of legislation signed by Governor Perry this last session on March 27, 2007. I was there at the bill signing.

    House Bill 1815 simply dealt with the traveling issue, by essentially stating that you can carry a handgun on your own property, or property under your control, and expanded that protection to a "your vehicle, or vehicle under your control." You also must be eligible to own the firearm by state and federal law, cannot be a member of a criminal street gang (the state has a database of members who meet this definition), cannot be committing a crime (other than a traffic violation, and must keep the firearm concealed.

    As far as police officers being upset about this new law, you will always be able to find some that are. However, CLEAT, the largest law enforcement lobby in Austin, specifically DID NOT oppose the bill, and expressed no problems with it to our lobbyist in Austin.

    James Dark
    Executive Director
    Texas State Rifle Association

    Comment by James Dark — October 25, 2007 @ 02:14PM

  2. Prosecutorial abuse of the traveling statute is what has lead to this change in the law. Before the most recent change to the traveling statute, the legislature tried to clarify it without going to this extreme. However, several urban county DAs (including Harris County) said that they wanted the police officers to arrest anyone carrying without a license. It would then be up to the person (innocent or not) to prove in court they were traveling. In other words, instead of the prosecutor having to prove the accused is guilty, the accused had to prove his innocence. This is contrary to one of the founding principles of our legal system, innocent until proven guilty.
    I am happy the legislature has passed this law. Before it went into effect, hunters could be arrested on their way to their hunting location and target shooters could be arrested when on their way to the range. Now, we have a clear definition of what is and is not illegal.

    Comment by Timothy Covingtom — October 25, 2007 @ 02:48PM

  3. Another improvement to strengthen our inalienable right to keep and bear arms.

    Unless there is criminal intent, which the law clearly prohibits, just why should
    we not be allowed to possess the means with which to defend ourselves?

    "More guns may be stolen from cars"?
    Here's a novel suggestion - prosecute the thieves, don't blame the victims!

    Comment by Doug — October 25, 2007 @ 08:04PM

  4. I agree with James about how confusing the two bills made the story sound more ominous than it really is. I added my own rebuttal to a couple of other points about the traveling bill, which is the one I authored the study on that you referenced. See the post on Grits for Breakfast: http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/2007/10/its-end-of-world-as-we-know-it-and-i.html

    best,
    sh

    Comment by Gritsforbreakfast — October 25, 2007 @ 08:28PM

  5. We cannot seem to seperate Texans from guns ! Imagine that. Texans live across the ditch from a 3rd world country. We are the 1st line of defense against attack ! Its really very simple. Texans believe it is more important to maintain what 500,000 prision beds than 50,000 college dorm room spaces. We need folks carring guns so we can keep the prision funnel full !

    Comment by victork — October 26, 2007 @ 10:49AM

  6. No wonder the officer asked not to be named...it's about the dumbest statement I've ever heard. Gang members have never had a problem carrying weapons, concealed or otherwise. Charging gang members with weapons violations and confiscation has worked like a charm don't you think? A sensible and more effective approach, instead of arresting gang members, would be to allow law abiding citizens blow their freaking heads off. Problem solved...forever.

    Law abiding citizens hardly ever shoot the wrong guy in self defense. Criminals regularly shoot inocent people just for kicks. If you want to save lives encourage citizens to arm themselves.

    Comment by BigMil — October 26, 2007 @ 11:38AM

  7. For a Dallas Police Officer to state, "We're letting drug dealers with Glocks under the seat go and say have a nice day", Pretty much explains why Dallas has such a high crime problem. In my jurisdiction we arrest drug dealers on the spot, whether they have a Glock under the seat or not. Of course, when you do not know the difference between illegal drugs and gypsum powder, I can see why you may have trouble identifying a drug dealer from a drywaller.

    Comment by Paul Hurst — October 27, 2007 @ 08:06PM

  8. An anonymous Dallas officer said, "We're letting drug dealers with Glocks under the seat go and say have a nice day."

    Here's a novel thought: if they're drug dealers, arrest them for dealing drugs!


    Also from the article: "The officer says that Dallas patrol cops have received no information or training on the change in the law. A call to the Dallas police media office prompted puzzlement. 'No one's told us,' says Sergeant Gil Cerda. 'We have yet to receive a legal briefing on that.'"

    According to the Dallas PD, ignorance of the law is a perfectly valid excuse. Thanks, Sergeant Cerda!

    Comment by Kevin Craig — October 27, 2007 @ 10:04PM

  9. The article makes the new state of affairs sound like a bad thing.

    In fact, it permits my rather petite girlfriend to carry a SigSauer legally in her glove box, for protection during her nightime commutes..and all commutes. Even that critical moment before the garage door shuts. On the first day the law went into effect she put that pistol in her car, with a round in the chamber and one extra magazine of hollowpoints at it side, and there it stays. It will go boom when the trigger is pulled. Every time. At some point she'll go get the concealed carry license, but for now she's well enough trained to make use of it if needed, until and when she's got a whole Saturday and nothing better to do. Very probably, most any cop finding her with that very practical, high quality item in her glove box BEFORE the law went into effect would have let it pass or even commended her good common sense. But legal is legal, and illegal is illegal, or it at least it should be. This law guarantees a state of normalcy as regards legal treatment of one of the most natural imaginable usages of private handguns. Self defense is a natural right. Particularly for women, who are targeted for rape, or older people who may be seen as easy targets, or physically weaker people, or people who like to drive a nice car, a good pistol or revolver loaded with hollowpoints is a great equaliser. You would think the hip, lefty, PC position on such an equaliser would be strong advocacy, but you would be wrong.

    Comment by Bryan Travis — October 27, 2007 @ 10:32PM

  10. Though felons are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon, the officer says most police officers can't do thorough criminal background checks during traffic stops.

    Excuse me? What do you think the dispatcher tells him when he calls in your DL and plate number ( or types it in his in car computer)???? If said drug dealer is a convicted felon they damn well better be arresting him.

    Comment by Victor — October 28, 2007 @ 01:09AM

  11. This law requiring DA's to prove someone was committing a crime (rather than assuming guilt with no proof) only came about after corrupt DA's were jailing law abiding citizens who were legitimately & legally traveling with a firearm. Had those we count on for law enforcement enforced law rather than persecuting & imprisoning law abiding citizens, this wouldn't have even been neccesary.

    "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" will get you or I imprisoned - yet for law enforcement to remain willfully ignorant of the law is no issue? The officer quoted and his superiors should be ashamed of their willful failure. There are many law enforcement officers who are intelligent enough and who respect the law enough to keep abreast of it.

    Lastly - the clarification of this law has NOTHING to do with concealed carry law, they both apply to very different circumstances. A person with no permit who is caught carrying outside of their car or home will still be arrested. A person WITH a permit can carry in any legal place (a car, restaurant, church, movie theater, etc).

    Comment by Daniel W. — October 28, 2007 @ 03:21PM

  12. If only they wouldn't have passed the bill then those with CRIMINAL INTENT wouldn't be able to carry, seeing as how it's against the law. Makes great sense right? Why be so hell-bent on creating as much red tape as possible for decent people to carry a firearm?

    Comment by Mike — October 30, 2007 @ 06:09AM

  13. Good thing your rag is free. With
    such shoddy journalism I can't
    see how you'd ever make money off
    people purchasing your rag.

    Comment by Larry Weatherly — October 31, 2007 @ 03:43PM

  14. This is a good law now we can protect ourselves from the bad people!!!

    Comment by Jo — November 5, 2007 @ 08:19AM

  15. Ms. Whitley, Are you for or against gun control?

    Comment by Wick Olson — November 12, 2007 @ 07:48PM

  16. Although I'm already a CHL holder, I say this is great. Note to criminals: Don't pull any of your nonsense on decent people and you won't risk getting shot. Pretty simple, huh? Maybe now's the time to rethink life and have a go at good intentions-

    P.S.- And to those who say this will increase the numbers of bad guys packing heat, isn't it just a tad ridiculous to assume that they were ever regarding laws like this in the first place?

    Comment by brooks — November 15, 2007 @ 02:51PM

  17. I'm not really in favor of people keeping guns in their cars, or even carrying them for that matter. I don't believe it makes us safer for people to carry guns because anyone who isn't a criminal can get a license to carry a concealed weapon, and that doesn't guarantee you get people who won't pull out a gun and shoot because of road rage. However, I do support this clarification of the law. The law in Texas, as much as I disagree with it, is that people have a right to keep a gun in the car while traveling, with "travel" having always been understood by the state legislature as basically any time you're in the car and moving. It's prosecutors and police who were abusing this law, not average Texans. It is and was wrong for police to arrest motorists who have a gun in their car because of that gun when it is not against the law. As a matter of fact, prosecutors who seek to circumvent this should themselves be prosecuted for violating our rights.

    Comment by Nathan — November 16, 2007 @ 04:26PM

  18. Thank God! It's about time we ladies can come out of the closet and finally carry a handgun in our car legally.

    McDonald's comments about no longer being able to arrest drug dealers who might be hiding a Glock under their front seat is just ignorant. First, unless they have a warrant, they can't check under the seat to see what is there. Secondly, as best as I can tell, this law doesn't change the fact that convicted felons or ex-cons are not legally allowed to carry guns anway. They can still arrest them for parole violation.

    As far as his church posting signs prohibiting guns from being carried on the premises, that is their perogative. But, I would like to point out that his church has just informed anyone with criminal intent, including jerks who like to steal big screen TV's, that no one on the premises has a gun to stop them. Also, why would stores change their current policy? The law is that we can carry between our homes and cars, not our homes and STORE. Do you think this guy could reach any further.

    Seems to me that every time a law is passed that will allow citizens to defend themselves, someone yells foul. Well, it isn't. It is our right to be able to defend ourselves. God knows the cops can't get there to help us. It is niave to think they can.

    Comment by Pat Acker — November 26, 2007 @ 11:06AM

  19. Thank God! It's about time we ladies can come out of the closet and finally carry a handgun in our car legally.

    McDonald's comments about no longer being able to arrest drug dealers who might be hiding a Glock under their front seat is just ignorant. First, unless they have a warrant, they can't check under the seat to see what is there. Secondly, as best as I can tell, this law doesn't change the fact that convicted felons or ex-cons are not legally allowed to carry guns anway. They can still arrest them for parole violation.

    As far as his church posting signs prohibiting guns from being carried on the premises, that is their perogative. But, I would like to point out that his church has just informed anyone with criminal intent, including jerks who like to steal big screen TV's, that no one on the premises has a gun to stop them. Also, why would stores change their current policy? The law is that we can carry between our homes and cars, not our homes and STORE. Do you think this guy could reach any further.

    Seems to me that every time a law is passed that will allow citizens to defend themselves, someone yells foul. Well, it isn't. It is our right to be able to defend ourselves. God knows the cops can't get there to help us. It is niave to think they can.

    Comment by Pat Acker — November 26, 2007 @ 11:07AM

  20. Thank God! It's about time we ladies can come out of the closet and finally carry a handgun in our cars legally.

    McDonald's comments about no longer being able to arrest drug dealers who might be hiding a Glock under their front seat is just ignorant. First, unless they have a warrant, they can't check under the seat to see what is there. Secondly, as best as I can tell, this law doesn't change the fact that convicted felons or ex-cons are not legally allowed to carry guns anyway. They can still arrest them for parole violation.

    As far as his church posting signs prohibiting guns from being carried on the premises, that is their perogative. But, I would like to point out that his church has just informed anyone with criminal intent, including jerks who like to steal big screen TV's, that no one on the premises has a gun to stop them. Also, why would stores change their current policy? The law is that we can carry between our homes and cars, not our homes and STORE. Do you think this guy could reach any further.

    Seems to me that every time a law is passed that will allow citizens to defend themselves, someone yells foul. Well, it isn't. It is our right to be able to defend ourselves. God knows the cops can't get there to help us. It is niave to think they can.

    Comment by Pat Acker — November 26, 2007 @ 11:08AM

  21. Thank God! It's about time we ladies can come out of the closet and finally carry a handgun in our cars legally.

    McDonald's comments about no longer being able to arrest drug dealers who might be hiding a Glock under their front seat is just ignorant. First, unless they have a warrant, they can't check under the seat to see what is there. Secondly, as best as I can tell, this law doesn't change the fact that convicted felons or ex-cons are not legally allowed to carry guns anyway. They can still arrest them for parole violation.

    As far as his church posting signs prohibiting guns from being carried on the premises, that is their perogative. But, I would like to point out that his church has just informed anyone with criminal intent, including jerks who like to steal big screen TV's, that no one on the premises has a gun to stop them. Also, why would stores change their current policy? The law is that we can carry between our homes and cars, not our homes and STORE. Do you think this guy could reach any further.

    Seems to me that every time a law is passed that will allow citizens to defend themselves, someone yells foul. Well, it isn't. It is our right to be able to defend ourselves. God knows the cops can't get there to help us. It is niave to think they can.

    Comment by Pat Acker — November 26, 2007 @ 11:17AM

  22. Good, now law abiding citizens in Texas can carry guns to keep the drug dealers with Glocks at bay. If everyone had a gun, then when one person starts shooting in a crowded mall another person can stop it and the peace can continue. People should be able to carry handguns like they carry cell phones. No one will start any trouble with a gun because anyone can stop it because they have guns.

    Comment by Brian Zell — November 26, 2007 @ 09:51PM

  23. Good, now law abiding citizens in Texas can carry guns to keep the drug dealers with Glocks at bay. If everyone had a gun, then when one person starts shooting in a crowded mall another person can stop it and the peace can continue. People should be able to carry handguns like they carry cell phones. No one will start any trouble with a gun because anyone can stop it because they have guns.

    Comment by Brian Zell — November 26, 2007 @ 09:52PM

  24. Good, now law abiding citizens in Texas can carry guns to keep the drug dealers with Glocks at bay. If everyone had a gun, then when one person starts shooting in a crowded mall another person can stop it and the peace can continue. People should be able to carry handguns like they carry cell phones. No one will start any trouble with a gun because anyone can stop it because they have guns.

    Comment by Brian Zell — November 26, 2007 @ 09:53PM

  25. Good, now law abiding citizens in Texas can carry guns to keep the drug dealers with Glocks at bay. If everyone had a gun, then when one person starts shooting in a crowded mall another person can stop it and the peace can continue. People should be able to carry handguns like they carry cell phones. No one will start any trouble with a gun because anyone can stop it because they have guns.

    Comment by Brian Zell — November 26, 2007 @ 09:53PM

  26. 1. Every lawabiding U.S.Citizens Should Apply for a State Wide Carrie Permit to Carry a Coceal Handgun too. Semipistal & Revolver too. This is a Constutional U.S. Right to Have it all costs Rather a Perviege Right by any Police Department too. I agree by those Terms too!! With State Borderlines of the (State of Taxas of all the Counties do accept its to be Recconized its Regulations agreegerements as follows:) by the all:- HandGuns Rules do Apply too!!)Agreed by terms as Follows by Rules of regulations by Act -235 Rules as apples is top Pararitry Rules too!!! They Should have no Criminal Records of Arrests by Local, Town,TownshipPolice, Country Sheriffis Depies , or State Police to Or the Taxas - Rangers Police Officers is State Wide Police to in all(188) Counties too!! 2. 10/07/2007 Date! The total of F.F.L.s is the State of taxas only: (3935)Holders Type-01 Licences is most Current count too!! They are Still Declining in smaller Numbers ecah month goes by too. To Cut down Gun Crimes is to, Cut 1/3 of F.F.L.s Type-01 Licences down too. Is 1311.66 F.F.Ls to be cut down too. There will Be lower number of F.F.L. s Is (2623) F.F.L.s holders is left in Taxas State too. By 11/08/2009 A.D. too. is offical count too!! The Police say let"s cut it Down now Too. The Crime rates is by Streets run by Gangs of Crinamals Groups do used Guns to rob People of there Money too!! true!!! Its time the Grovenor to Cut off 1/3 of Type-01 F.F.L.s Licences out & State Licences to be cut off too. There are to many of the smaller Gun stores is way to many of them too!! They need to be Cut down now too. The illegal Alliens are responasble for 0.70 % or more Street Murders by used of illegal guns they Kill U.S. Citizens in 50 States too. is true an get away with it alot to true !!!!! To many Smaller Gundealers smaller Businesses do Straw Gun Sales of Conceal Weapons to Drug dealers Druge Customers People buy"ers too. Fellons street Criminals Robbed Guns & ammo out Small Gunshops,sporting Gun stores too. An bone dry of guns & ammo too. true!!! (Answer is:2nd option if its gets worse too!! Lets cut it by 1/2 of the out of Businesses to pertaining to small Gun Businesses way to many too!! They need to cut down alot now to stop Street Gun shootings too!! agree!!! It would be 1967F.F,L.s Licences would be controlled on the botton too!!) is needed badly now too!!! Type-01 F.F.L.s !

    Comment by David P.Curcione Ex S.O. Ret. — January 2, 2008 @ 05:13PM

  27. 1. Every lawabiding U.S.Citizens Should Apply for a State Wide Carrie Permit to Carry a Coceal Handgun too. Semipistal & Revolver too. This is a Constutional U.S. Right to Have it all costs Rather a Perviege Right by any Police Department too. I agree by those Terms too!! With State Borderlines of the (State of Taxas of all the Counties do accept its to be Recconized its Regulations agreegerements as follows:) by the all:- HandGuns Rules do Apply too!!)Agreed by terms as Follows by Rules of regulations by Act -235 Rules as apples is top Pararitry Rules too!!! They Should have no Criminal Records of Arrests by Local, Town,TownshipPolice, Country Sheriffis Depies , or State Police to Or the Taxas - Rangers Police Officers is State Wide Police to in all(188) Counties too!! 2. 10/07/2007 Date! The total of F.F.L.s is the State of taxas only: (3935)Holders Type-01 Licences is most Current count too!! They are Still Declining in smaller Numbers ecah month goes by too. To Cut down Gun Crimes is to, Cut 1/3 of F.F.L.s Type-01 Licences down too. Is 1311.66 F.F.Ls to be cut down too. There will Be lower number of F.F.L. s Is (2623) F.F.L.s holders is left in Taxas State too. By 11/08/2009 A.D. too. is offical count too!! The Police say let"s cut it Down now Too. The Crime rates is by Streets run by Gangs of Crinamals Groups do used Guns to rob People of there Money too!! true!!! Its time the Grovenor to Cut off 1/3 of Type-01 F.F.L.s Licences out & State Licences to be cut off too. There are to many of the smaller Gun stores is way to many of them too!! They need to be Cut down now too. The illegal Alliens are responasble for 0.70 % or more Street Murders by used of illegal guns they Kill U.S. Citizens in 50 States too. is true an get away with it alot to true !!!!! To many Smaller Gundealers smaller Businesses do Straw Gun Sales of Conceal Weapons to Drug dealers Druge Customers People buy"ers too. Fellons street Criminals Robbed Guns & ammo out Small Gunshops,sporting Gun stores too. An bone dry of guns & ammo too. true!!! (Answer is:2nd option if its gets worse too!! Lets cut it by 1/2 of the out of Businesses to pertaining to small Gun Businesses way to many too!! They need to cut down alot now to stop Street Gun shootings too!! agree!!! It would be 1967F.F,L.s Licences would be controlled on the botton too!!) is needed badly now too!!! Type-01 F.F.L.s !

    Comment by David P.Curcione Ex S.O. Ret. — January 2, 2008 @ 05:13PM

  28. It's about time that honest, hard working, AMERICANS be able to protect themselves. That is what our Constitution meant for us to do by allowing us the "Right to bear arms"!
    If you think this will just add more guns to the street you are out of touch with what is already going on under your nose. Anyone and I do mean anyone can already purchase an unregesterd gun of their choice today in a matter of minutes. And, they use them against us (the law abiding citizen that wouldn't have a clue or the desire to do it.
    I have seen with my own eyes the crime rate drop when criminals know that the owner of a home has a gun and will "shoot without hesitation" anyone who enters their property with ill intentions, be it theft, rape, burglary, or murder!
    The key here is "shoot without hesitation"! If you are not able to pull the trigger and shoot to kill then please don't pull out a gun. It will probably get you killed!
    But, the NEW LAW gives us more freedom to excersize our right to protect ourselves or loved ones, and our property that we worked hard for, without as much fear of being prosecuted or sued either by the Police or some criminals family.
    Best Law Passed in a long time! I'm 110% for it and know many others who feel the same way!

    Comment by Allan — February 18, 2008 @ 06:04PM

  29. i like the new law. too little too late is better than nothin' i guess.i've had a chl fer several years now. i think it would be a fair thing fer the injustice system to be forced to refund ALL the stolen $$$ an' guns it has taken from us citizens in the past though. i'd like my $$$ an' my ruger back. i'd also like to git paid fer the time i sapent in jail fer it. back then i got 6 bucks an hour...X 10 days24hrs....

    Comment by james — March 7, 2008 @ 12:57PM

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