New law affects homeowners with guns

Many new traffic and criminal laws went into effect Sept. 1 that readers need to be aware of. The following are some of the most notable changes to Texas laws, and were effective Sept. 1 unless otherwise noted:

Right To Bear Arms

HB 1839 requires concealed handgun license (CHL) holders to take a continuing education course to renew their CHL every 10 years instead of every five years.

SB 112 (effective April 27, 2007) protects the right to bear arms during a declared disaster or emergency by prohibiting law enforcement officers from confiscating firearms during such emergency periods.

SB 378, known as the "Castle Doctrine," removes the requirement that persons attempt to retreat before using deadly force to defend themselves.