'Permitless carry' initially didn’t have the votes to clear the Texas Senate. How did it pass? "The [Texas] House passed a good bill, we think we made stronger," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, R-Texas, said on Sunday's Inside Texas Politics. Author: Jason Whitely Updated: 11:49 AM CDT May 9, 2021 DALLAS — Texans will soon be able to carry a handgun without needing a permit or any training once Gov. Greg Abbott signs a 'permitless carry' bill into law. The measure, which has never had widespread public support, passed easily in the Texas House this session. But it had appeared to be roadblocked in the Texas Senate as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick suggested it did not have enough votes to pass in that chamber.