Abbott Signs Senate Bill 16, Bringing Texas License To Carry Fees Down to Among Lowest in Nation

FAIRFAX, Va. – The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) today applauded Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for signing into law NRA-backed legislation that will make license to carry fees in Texas among the lowest in the country.

“No one should be priced out of their right to carry a firearm for self-protection,” said Chris Cox, executive director, NRA-ILA. “This bill makes it easier for all Texans to exercise this fundamental right.”

Senate Bill 16, sponsored by state Senators Robert Nichols and Joan Huffman, reduces the price of applying for a license to carry from $140 to $40. It also cuts the renewal cost from $70 to $40. The annual cost of a 5-year license will now be $8 per year.

Abbott said he was pleased with the bill, "Texas is known for its strong Second Amendment rights laws, and I’m proud to further strengthen those rights today," he said. "No law abiding Texan should be priced out of the ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights. I’d like to thank Senators Nichols and Huffman, and Rep. Phil King for their work in expanding liberty in Texas."

The bill was designated a priority bill of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and was managed in the House by state Rep. Phil King. SB 16 goes into effect on Sept. 1.

“This is a great bill for Texans who will now be able to exercise their rights more easily,” Cox concluded.

NRA would like to thank our members who contacted their senators and representatives in support of this important bill throughout the session, the state representatives who voted for SB 16, as well as state Representatives Dustin Burrows and Kyle Kacal for sponsoring similar measures -- House Bill 339 and House Bill 1024, respectively.  All versions of this important legislation helped raise awareness of the need to reduce the high cost of a carry license in the Lone Star State.  

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.