Texas Governor Greg Abbott is looking to oppose a gun control bill proposed by Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. The proposed Sabika Sheikh Licensing and Registration Act would make it a crime to possess a firearm or ammunition without the new license and require owners to pay for insurance and bans ammunition of .50 caliber or greater. It looks to create a national firearm registry, set the minimum gun ownership age to 21, and require licensing and psychological evaluations.
In response to the bill, Rep. Abbott promised to “erect a complete barrier against any government office anywhere from treading gun rights in Texas.” He said he wants to make Texas a ‘Second Amendment sanctuary state’ and that he will continue to do the maximum to protect those rights from any state or local government officials.
The bill would give the U.S attorney general jurisdiction over Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives licensing, as well as require gun owners to complete a government training course, have a clean record, and register their firearms with the federal government.
The bill also talks about a psychological evaluation process that would take into account the psychological conditions of other members of the house, current and former spouses, relatives, and associates. Anyone who has ever been hospitalized for mental illness, drug or alcohol abuse, homicidal or suicidal thoughts, or with a brain disease would not be eligible for a firearms license.
Local and federal law enforcement, as well as the U.S Military, would also have access to all registry information.
Lieutenant Governor of Texas Dan Patrick also showed his support to Abbott in opposing the gun control bill. “@SheliaJackson1 and her leftist cronies have launched an assault on #2A with a bill that includes a national gun registry, mandated federal gun & ammo licenses, new gun taxes, and limits. I will stand for freedom and #2A rights in #Texas,” he tweeted.
Democrats continue to try and tax guns out of existence while Republicans argue that there are more than enough regulations and laws regarding the ownership, possession, and sale of firearms. The current registry process is more than sufficient for law enforcement and still offers privacy for the dealers. Places like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C stand as evidence that no amount of legislation has affected the criminal use of firearms.
At this point, it’ll be easier to obtain an illegal gun than it would be to obtain one legally. Requiring a license for the right to the Second Amendment is no different than requiring a license for free speech.
