Best TX state rep or senator to approach?

[ArcherandShooter]

I've had several suggestions I've posed to my state rep over the last few sessions, but despite her generally conservative bent, 2A is not her top priority, so despite encouraging words, nothing has been done.

With the rightward turn in TX politics since 2010, I have new hope that we won't see as much legislation hijacked or allowed to die as in recent sessions, so I'm up to try again.

To all of you here who are familiar with the TX state legislature, who are the two or three BEST folks to approach with ideas I'd like to see enacted? I go through TSRA, too, of course, but these are things I want to really push, and I'll do it myself if I have to.

My ideas:

1. Open carry

2. Require employers who forbid employees to carry at work to provide real security, not just a glass door with an electronic lock

3. Require event venues that intend to forbid carry via the "30-06" provisions to include notice of that prohibition in advertising and ticket sales materials so folks will know before buying tickets and/or attending that they must leave their weapons at home if they choose to go, and not be surprised at the door with the "no-carry" sign while they're standing there ticket in hand and gun on hip.

4. If Open carry does not pass, significantly relax the legal rules around "brandishing". right now the laws as written require super-careful deep concealment to prevent an accidental printing or peek leading to a citation for "failure to conceal".

So, to whom do I take these? I've gone to Debbie Riddle and Dan Patrick (my rep and senator) in the past, and received encouraging words but no action.

Thanks

 

[popper]

LOL. Don't count on any support from anybody from the big cities. Paxton is definitely a no-go. Tx NRA rep isn't much help either. Most state gov. elected officials got there with the aid of big money and that is what they support. Medical, schools and developers are their forte. Period. Don't believe me, look at the bills entered and what gets support. Now you can't find much of anything at the state web site.

 

[2ndAmFan]

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) is rated A+ by the NRA. There may be others with good ratings but he's the only one I know of right off the top of my head.

I don't know which TX State Legislators would be best. Smith is a Congressman in DC. Shouldn't be too hard to find out which ones are best on TSRA/NRA website though.

 

[popper]

If Open carry does not pass, significantly relax the legal rules around "brandishing". right now the laws as written require super-careful deep concealment to prevent an accidental printing or peek leading to a citation for "failure to conceal".

Yes, I think this is the biggest problem area. When Tx changed from open carry it was based on theft from vehicles. When I read the rules, I got the impression it was illegal to carry open if hunting with another weapon. There are persons who want to flaunt the open carry rules, I have no sympathy for them. There are those who say they wouldn't protect themselves in a SD situation - OK, don't expect me to do it for you. There are those who say nobody needs an AK or large mags. Ok, don't buy any but your opinion shouldn't restrict others. Problem is that people want to impose their opinion on others and cry big tears when they get harmed.

 

[RoosterUSMC]

Having been involved in repealing the helmet law,I can tell you've got a tough road ahead. First,you have to build a statewide organization and then go to Austin and start talking to the legislators "face to face". Once you get that far you'll know what your opposition's concerns are and you'll have to address them.
While organizing,hold meetings and invite the local State Reps and see who shows up. It might surprise you,who your friends are.

 

[Guillermo]

I would contact Jerry Patterson and ask him

Jerry is a good man.

 

[jmorris]

As long as Rick Perry wants to run for top office you can count on nothing that will "rock the boat" having his signature.

 

[JohnKSa]

Contact Alice Tripp of the TSRA, if she can't help you, you might as well give up.

When Tx changed from open carry it was based on theft from vehicles.

There have been no changes regarding the legality of open carry of handguns in TX in our lifetimes.

Other than the "sporting use" and "traveling" exceptions which have been in the law for a very long time, it hasn't been legal to openly carry a handgun in public in TX since the 1800s.

Open carry of long guns has always been legal.