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In today’s Houston Chronicle.

To avoid getting delayed behind noisy schoolkids waiting in line to pass through new metal detectors at the state Capitol, lobbyists are signing up for concealed handgun permits exempting them from the security checkpoints.

Visitors to the Capitol also now are subject to inspections of purses, bags and briefcases by Department of Public Safety officers.

The only people exempted are lawmakers, properly identified state employees or Texans who carry a pistol with a concealed handgun license — or just the license itself, which allows them to bypass the security lines for an express lane reserved for “CHL: Holders.”

“Every lobbyist in Texas is going to become a card-carrying member or a gun-carrying member,” lobbyist and former state lawmaker Pat Haggerty said. “We’re going to have more damn guns in here than we know what to do with.

“So, your concealed handgun is now your hall pass?” Juanita asks.

“Oh hell, let’s just let them show the concealed handgun instead of the license,” she suggests.  “Let’s man-up about this.  Pulling back your jacket to show off your weapon is far more sexually satisfying than flashing your winkie.”

“So I could carry an armory, two pounds of cocaine, and three small Taliban terrorists into the State Capitol as long as I have a CHL?  Don’t give me ideas,” she waves away any bad thoughts.

“Seriously, don’t.”