‘A Victory for the Second Amendment’: Cruz Applauds Constitutional Carry in Texas

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is applauding Texas lawmakers after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill into law allowing residents to carry handguns without a license or training.

“Thanks to the Texas Legislature and Governor Abbott, constitutional carry is now the law of the land for the Lone Star State. This groundbreaking piece of legislation is a victory for the Second Amendment, the right to self-defense, and all law-abiding Texans,” Cruz said in a statement.

He added, “I applaud all of the Texas lawmakers who worked to make this constitutional triumph a reality for our state.”

Abbott signed the bill into law on Wednesday. He held a ceremonial signing of the bill and other legislation on Thursday.

CNN noted the law “allows individuals 21 and older who can legally possess firearms in the state to carry handguns in public places without permits.”

The legislation will go into effect in September. The Texas Tribune pointed out the Senate added several amendments to address concerns law enforcement groups had who objected to permitless carry because they worried it would put officers in danger and make it easier for criminals to obtain firearms.

The measure received opposition from other lawmakers, including Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-El Paso).