In 1988, my dad was shot in a mugging. I turned 13 days later. I spent my birthday speaking to my dad while he was in the ICU. He got lucky and survived a .38 round nicking multiple arteries and tumbling through his abdomen and missing his heart by centimeters.
In 2020, 34 states' gun related deaths outpaced motor vehicle accidents. After the Uvalde School Shooting (one of too many), often the focus is on background checks and limiting access to guns. In most cases however, we don't focus on training and education.
In the state of Texas, it is easier to buy and use a gun than it is to get a driver's License and drive a car. Let's make gun ownership and gun use as stringent as getting a driver's license.
State or Federal Government issues gun licenses valid for up to eight years 18 years of age and older. You will need to provide proof of the following to apply for a gun license:
U.S. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence and Social Security Number (state residency requirement if issued by the state).
Evidence of Gun Registration for each gun you own. Registration must be current.
Proof of Liability Insurance for each gun you own.*
*If you do not own a gun at the time of licensing, you will sign a statement affirming this. All new gun purchases must show proof of licensing.
Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of completion of:
Home Firearm Safety Course if you will be have a firearm in stored in your home (to be renewed with license renewal)
Personal Protection Course if you will be carrying your firearm outside of the home, including transport from one location to another (to be renewed with license renewal)
Gun type specific training course on each firearm owned or within 60 days of purchase (to be renewed with license renewal)
If state issued licenses: does not apply to new residents who are 18 years of age or older and surrendering a valid, unexpired out-of-state gun license.
At the time of application you MUST:
Complete and provide the gun license application
Present proof of US Citizenship or lawful presence and Social Security Number
Pay the application fee.
Provide your signature for the license
Have your picture taken.
Pass the vision exam.
Take the written knowledge gun tests.
Provide your thumbprints.
Pass a background check
In addition, at the time of gun purchase you must:
Present gun license
Pass a Federal and local background check
You must provide proof of insurance or purchase insurance on the spot.
You must provide proof of gun specific safety course or sign affidavit that you will complete within 60 days
Other Gun Safety Considerations
In the event of any person being charged with a violent crime, a suspect in a restraining order, deemed currently suicidal, their gun licensed will be temporarily revoked and all guns owned will be locked with tamper evident locks with location tracing.
If the person is convicted of a felony, guns will be sold in auction to pay for rehabilitation. Fifteen years following the end of a persons sentence, can they reapply for a gun license as if they never were issued one.
If a person is cleared of all charges, and is cleared by a mental health provider, a person will have their guns unlocked if they so desire within 90 days of clearance.
If a person is cleared by their physician or mental health provider that they are no longer suicidal, a person will have their guns unlocked if they so desire within 90 days of clearance.
