Message - June 15, 2007

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTIETH TEXAS LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:

Pursuant to Article IV, Sections 14 and 15 of the Texas Constitution, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove and veto House Bill No. 1503 of the 80th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, due to the following objections:

House Bill No. 1503 would have been an acceptable bill that expands Texans' right to carry concealed handguns were it not for an 11th hour amendment that creates unintended consequences. The unintended consequences arise from the bill's attempt to redefine a criminal conviction by excluding, among others, those who have been convicted of a felony and discharged from prison. The troublesome provision could result in ex-convicts who have completed their sentences for murder, rape, robbery or other violent crimes being allowed to possess firearms immediately upon release from prison. This provision also could jeopardize the reciprocity agreements Texas has with other states involving concealed handgun permits.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this the 15th day of June, 2007.

RICK PERRY
Governor of Texas

ATTESTED BY:
ROGER WILLIAMS
Secretary of State