MABANK–The Cedar Creek Republican Club discussed new gun laws which are now in effect as well as the ongoing dilemma at the Texas-Mexico border at their regular meeting April 28 at Vetoni’s Restaurant. 
Attendees heard from Henderson County Attorney Clint Davis regarding updates during legislature from Austin.
One big update, which many Texans are already familiar with that went into effect Sept. 1, 2021, is that the Texas legislature adopted the constitutional carry or “open carry” gun law, which allows Texas residents 21 and older to carry a firearm in a holster openly/concealed without a license as long as they aren’t otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm by law as well as restricted places.
“This also applies to being in a vehicle, the weapon must be holstered, that’s something everyone should know,” Davis stated. “Just because you can carry open, doesn’t mean you can pull your gun out of the holster. Once you pull it out and wave it around, you’re now committing an offense.” 
Davis also mentioned that it is still illegal to carry a firearm while intoxicated, unless you’re a judge, prosecutor or a probation officer and you have your license to carry (LTC) under the new provision. 
Regarding the border situation, David spoke on how it affects Henderson County and the state as a whole as the news coverage of the situation continues every day.
“I don’t think it’s really affecting or impacting my job,” Davis said. “I don’t think it’s impacting our jail operations with a large number of them having to be arrested and coming into the jails.”
Davis said illegal immigrants could be in our neighborhoods, but they just aren’t seeing them committing crimes or coming through the local jails. Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, who was in attendance, also discussed how they are managing the situation with other departments throughout the state and the county. 
“We all meet with the Texas Rangers and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sergeant weekly,” Hillhouse said. “Where it’s affecting us, is that our troopers that are supposed to be protecting us and our highways, a lot of times at night, we’re having to rely on Anderson County troopers and Van Zandt County troopers because our troopers are at the border.” 
Davis also discussed the ongoing marijuana battle across the nation when it comes to new laws and the affect on teenagers in the area. Many believe with new hemp laws that were recently passed and with many states legalizing marijuana, either medicinally or recreationally, that it is legal in the State of Texas, which is untrue. 
Hemp products are legal in Texas so long as they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. Possession of any other substance containing THC is still illegal in Texas. Also, drivers can still be arrested for DUI while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana. 
“Under two ounces is a Class B misdemeanor, under four (oz.) is a Class A misdemeanor, paraphernalia is a Class C misdemeanor,” Davis stated. “That changes when it’s an edible. If it’s an edible, it automatically takes you to a felony level.” 
In other business, members:
• Announced their murder mystery party as “Last Will and Testament of Roland Kingsley” with their annual Christmas party to be held Dec. 10.
• Discussed the May 24 primary runoff election with early voting running May 16-20. 
• Announced their next meeting will be held May 26 with State Representative Keith Bell being the keynote speaker at 6:30 p.m. Newly-elected Precinct chairs will be sworn in at this meeting.