Bill conceals ID of gun carrier House panel again passes measure blocking records access
By KAREN BROOKS / The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN Texans who carry concealed handguns would have their identities concealed as well under legislation that easily passed the House Law Enforcement Committee on Monday.
The bill, which the House has passed twice but the Senate never has, would block requests from the public to learn whether an individual has a concealed-gun license. Law enforcement officials would still be able to access the records.
The bill by Rep. Suzanna Gratia Hupp, R-Lampasas, a staunch gun-rights backer and privacy advocate, has the support of an unlikely alliance: gun-rights groups and family-violence organizations that tend to push for gun control.
Ms. Hupp and her backers say the current system, in place for a decade, can help criminals plot their attacks and endangers people who don't have permits because someone can figure out that they're not protected.
"Rapists and stalkers have the ability to gain inside information that the woman has a way to defend herself," said Rep. Joe Driver, R-Garland, chairman of the panel.
Opponents, including media organizations and groups such as Common Cause, which advocates more open records, say that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Criminals could be less likely to attack someone who they know is carrying a handgun, and some who buy a gun for protection may want would-be attackers to know they're armed, said Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, a member of the committee.
Opponents say the open records allow the public to hold the state accountable for how it runs the concealed-carry program.
"If I have concerns about a neighbor or acquaintance and whether they have a permit to get a gun, I have a right to do that," said Suzy Woodford, executive director of Common Cause.
Family violence experts say that as long as law enforcement agents can access the records, a woman's right to privacy should be protected.
"The safety of that woman's address and any records and information about her is more important than anything she might gain by knowing her abuser has a gun," said Paige Flank, executive director of The Family Place in Dallas.
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