The Texas Legislature passed a number of bills concerning the Second Amendment right to bear arms this summer.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1143 on June 10, allowing licensed gun holders to store handguns, firearms and ammunition in their locked cars in school parking areas. Districts and charter schools will not be allowed to prohibit people, including school employees, from this as long as nothing is in plain view.

Abbott signed Senate Bill 535 on June 7, removing churches, synagogues and established places of religious worship from the list of places where guns are prohibited. Formerly, it was a third-degree felony to carry a gun in these places. Amusement parks, hospitals, bars, jails and large event venues, such as sports stadiums, are still on the list.

At the June 27 State of the State address, Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, applauded the bills and said he believes teachers can drive to campuses, work and feel safe driving home. The new laws take effect Sept. 1.