Minnesota query... why does TX not recognize them?

[Morgan]

This is somewhat curious to me, just wondering if anyone knows why MN honors the TX license, but we don't honor theirs. I get why WA doesn't honor TX but we honor theirs, for example..and while I grossly disagree with it, I can see the reasoning. But I can't imagine that TX wouldn't honor MN for a similar reason, and I was curious if anyone knew.

[seamusTX]

It looks like Minnesota will issue a license to anyone who is qualified under federal law to buy a handgun. That includes people who have multiple misdemeanor convictions other than domestic violence. I don't know if that's the reason, but it's possible.

- Jim

[Morgan]

That's wild. I used to live in Fargo, ND right on the MN border, and back then, MN CHL was nearly impossible to get... it was "may issue" and you pretty well had to grease the sheriff to do it... Too bad they went in the other direction. On the other hand, I guess I figure if someone should be able to legally own a hand gun, they should legally be able to carry it...

[bdickens]

And why not?

[Charles L. Cotton]

I don't know specifically why Texas doesn't recognize MN, but I have to presume that MN doesn't require a pre-issue background check that complies with the Texas statute. It's possible that it does now, but I don't recall when MN became a "shall issue" state. This is significant since the Texas AG is statutorily required to present a report to the Governor annually listing states that qualify for reciprocity or unilateral proclamation. It may be that MN would be eligible for recognition by Texas when the next report is issued, but again, I don't know when they became a "shall issue" state or that their background check requirements meet the Texas requirement. I know some few states will issue temporary or provisional licenses while applications are being processed and they are not statutorily eligible for recognition by Texas.

Chas.

• (b) The governor shall negotiate an agreement with any other state that provides for the issuance of a license to carry a concealed handgun under which a license issued by the other state is recognized in this state or shall issue a proclamation that a license issued by the other state is recognized in this state if the attorney general of the State of Texas determines that a background check of each applicant for a license issued by that state is initiated by state or local authorities or an agent of the state or local authorities before the license is issued. For purposes of this subsection, "background check" means a search of the National Crime Information Center database and the Interstate Identification Index maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  (c) The attorney general of the State of Texas shall annually:
  • (1) submit a report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives listing the states the attorney general has determined qualify for recognition under Subsection (b); and
    (2) review the statutes of states that the attorney general has determined do not qualify for recognition under Subsection (b) to determine the changes to their statutes that are necessary to qualify for recognition under that subsection.
  
  (d) The attorney general of the State of Texas shall submit the report required by Subsection (c)(1) not later than January 1 of each calendar year.

[seamusTX]

Minnesota's shall-issue law was passed in 2003, but it was tied up in court and did not go into effect until 2005.

http://www.leg.state.mn.us/LRL/Issues/firearmcarry.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- Jim

[Morgan]

And why not?

Pardon?

Chas---thanks. That makes sense. I'll have to ask some Minnesota friends.

[bdickens]

Why shouldn't someone who can legally own a handgun be able to legally carry it based on that one criteria alone?

[Keith B]

Why shouldn't someone who can legally own a handgun be able to legally carry it based on that one criteria alone?

I think you read it wrong. He DOES believe they should be able to.

[Morgan]

Correct...that was my point. If you can legally buy a handgun, you should legally be able to carry it, concealed or openly, IMO.

[bdickens]

I was agreeing. I keep forgetting that tone of voice and inflection doesn't translate well over the internet.

[Morgan]

LOL I love it when you argue with someone until you realize they're smart enough to agree with you.

[bdickens]