The worst possible scenario

Constitutional carry

Regarding “Texas House approves gun bill,” (A1, April 16): It is hard to imagine a piece of legislation more poorly timed and more potentially dangerous to the public and police than the bill that has passed the Texas House of Representatives to allow the carry of handguns without any training requirements or a permitting process. It is incredible to think about these folks not being exposed to all the components of the concealed handgun license course such as where to carry, where you can’t, when you can use your weapon, when you can’t, not to mention not having to demonstrate some degree of competence with your weapon to minimize the risk to bystanders. This may be a bill with good intentions, but the consequences can be devastating. As a CHL holder for 11 years, I can’t imagine a worse possible scenario. Hopefully the Senate will keep this from becoming law.

Chris Musemeche, Houston

Despite the pandemic, there were 600 shootings in which four or more people were shot by one person in 2020. Crime, and especially hate crimes, is on the rise. So far in 2021, there have been 147 mass shootings as of April 16. This number would be significantly higher if we counted all shootings. There was a shooting in Allen on April 5. Just a few days ago in a neighborhood close to mine, a high school student shot into the car of other high school students. I hear of random road rage and dispute shootings right here in the Houston area all the time. We need to be taking guns away, not making them more accessible. As a Texas resident for nearly six years now, I am considering leaving if House Bills 1927 and 1911 become law. Our legislators are making the state more dangerous for everyone, including our kids. Even handguns kill. And one life lost is one too many. We need to require background checks and make sure gun owners are licensed. Red flag laws need to be put in place. These bills would be huge steps backward when we really need to be pushing forward on safety.

Bharati Sadhwani, Richmond

Billy Calzada / Staff photographer A group called Moms Demand Action gathers at the Texas Capitol last week to voice opposition to permitless gun carry legislation.