Legislative Accomplishments: Reasserting the Tenth Amendment and Second Amendment Protections

This is my fifth installment on accomplishments in the recent Texas legislative session that adjourned May 31^st.  Much good work has been overlooked.  However, there was also much left undone.  So, when I finish this series, I’ll layout some things I believe the Texas Legislature must accomplish in the special sessions coming later this summer and early fall. 

Reasserting the Tenth Amendment 

We are all “fed up” with the federal government’s overreach.  Our Tenth Amendment has remained under assault now for many decades as Congress and federal courts act in direct violation of the Constitution.  The Tenth Amendment was intended to hold Washington DC in check, preventing federal encroachment into our individual liberties and into the sovereign authority of the several states.   SCR 12, which I authored and carried in the House, reasserts Texas’ sovereignty over all powers not specifically enumerated in the U.S. Constitution and thereby granted to the federal government.  SCR 12 serves as a formal demand from Texas to Washington to halt its flagrant disregard for the U.S. Constitution and the inalienable rights of all Texans.  

Second Amendment Protections 

The Second Amendment is under attack by the Biden administration.  Texas adopted several preemptive measures to ensure your right to defend yourself, your family and your property.  Tomorrow, Governor Abbott will be at the Alamo for a bill signing ceremony to officially make the policies listed below new law in Texas. 
 HB 957 – Removes federal restrictions on firearm suppressors that are manufactured in Texas.

HB 1500 – Protects gun and ammo stores from being shut down by local or state officials during a disaster declaration.

HB 1927 – Known as Constitutional Carry, this legislation allows all law-abiding Texans age 21 and older to carry a holstered handgun for personal protection while observing all safe gun practices. 

HB 2622 – Naming Texas a Second Amendment Sanctuary State, providing another layer of protection against federal overreach.

SB 19 – Prohibits state contracts with companies that discriminate against firearm or ammunition companies.

SB 20 – Prohibits a hotel from adopting a firearms policy that prohibits a hotel guest from storing a handgun or ammunition in the guest’s hotel room or vehicle. 

SB 550 – Allows one to use any type of holster when properly carrying a handgun in Texas either openly or concealed.