May 19, 1995

Governor George Bush (jr.) is expected to sign a law allowing Texans to
carry concealed, loaded firearms starting in 1996.  This will make
Texas the 23rd state to allow non-felons to carry concealed with a
licence.  Sixteen states issue CCW (carry concealed weapon) permits to
those who can show a need and 11 states prohibit concealed weapons.
The remaining state, Vermont, allows CCW without a permit.

Florida, in 1986, allowed persons to get a CCW permit (after taking a
course and passing a criminal/psychiatric background check).  Firearm
homicides decreased 29% over the next six years.  Total homicides also
decreased 20% while US national average increased slightly.

It's interesting to note that, despite the Coalition for Gun Control,
and others, talking about how bad the US is and how "we must not end up
like them", no state that has allowed concealed carry has become a
"haven for gun violence".  No shootups by persons waiting in queues at
banks.  People don't plug each other when they get mad on the subway.
Any not everyone is armed.  But enough people are that others think
twice before attacking.

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	May 23, 1995

Oklahoma citizens will be allowed to carry concealed handguns starting
in 1996.

Gov. Frank Keating is expected to sign the measure, which passed 91-10
in the House and would take effect on Jan. 1. The Senate approved it
Monday, 39-8.

Proponents said the measure was necessary to allow citizens to arm
themselves for protection in an era of violent crime. Some opponents
aruged it would increase violence.

``Are you afraid of an honest, law-abiding citizen (carrying a gun)?''
Rep. Fred Stanley, a fellow Democrat.

``Yes,'' Rep. Don Ross replied.

Oklahoma and Texas are currently two of 11 states that bar ordinary
citizens from carrying concealed handguns.  This new law will make
Oklahoma the 24th state to allow non-felons to carry concealed with a
licence as of Jan. 1, 1996.  Texas was the 23rd.  Sixteen states issue
CCW (carry concealed weapon) permits to those who can show a need. The
remaining state, Vermont, allows CCW without a permit.

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	Fri, 7 Jul 95

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Nevada has become the newest state to make it
easier for residents to carry concealed pistols.

The law signed Friday by Gov. Bob Miller puts the burden of proof on
sheriffs in denying permits to carry a concealed weapon.  Previously,
sheriffs had substantial discretion in denying permits.  Nevada was one
of 16 states having "discretionary" concealed carry laws.

Permit-holders will be allowed to carry concealed weapons anywhere
except schools, courts, police stations or other locations specifically
prohibited by law. Casinos and bars would have to adopt their own
policies if they didn't want guns on the premises.

Permits will be denied if background checks show the applicant has a
felony conviction, an outstanding arrest warrant or a history of mental
problems.

As of Jan. 1, 1996, 25 states will allow permit-holders to carry
concealed weapons.  Fifteen states are "discretionary", issuing CCW
(carry concealed weapon) permits only to those who can satisfy someone
that they have a need.  Eleven states currently bar ordinary citizens
from carrying concealed pistols, but that will be reduced to nine in
the new year when Texas and Oklahoma start allowing concealed carry
with a permit.  Only one state, Vermont, allows CCW without any
permit.

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