Texas Legislative Session: The Key Dates Gun Owners Should Track

In a new video, the attorneys at Armed Attorneys lay out their calendar for the next Texas legislative session, arguing that a statewide shift toward Democrats sets up a tougher fight for gun rights than Texas gun owners have seen in years.

Key points

• Pre-filing starts Monday: Bill pre-filing opens November 9th, and the hosts say this is when Democratic priorities on firearms will start showing up for review.
• Session opens January 12th: The regular session begins, though the hosts expect a slow start while the House sorts out leadership and committee assignments.
• Filing deadline is March 12th: No new bills without special exception after this date, and the hosts say March is when gun owners need to start paying close attention to committee action.
• Watch specific committees: Armed Attorneys points to the House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, plus the Senate's State Affairs and Criminal Justice Committees, as where most firearm bills will be heard.
• Session ends May 31st, laws take effect September 1st: The hosts note that's the general effective date for anything passed, with some exceptions.

Quick take

The hosts frame this session as a defensive one for gun owners, with Democratic control of House committees meaning Second Amendment bills may face an uphill climb. Their advice boils down to knowing the dates, watching the committees, and being ready to call, email, or show up when asked.

Watch the full video: Armed Attorneys