Gov. Abbott Signs Texas Open Carry Law

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed landmark open-carry legislation today, making the Lone Star State the 45th to recognize the right to open-carry a modern handgun. More than 800,000 Texans currently hold concealed-carry licenses, and they will be the ones who can take advantage of the new law beginning in 2016 — and not before.AbbottWalker

HB 910 was the measure Abbott signed. Aspects of the just-passed law can be confusing, so Edwin Walker, Program Attorney for Texas Law Shield and who was present at the signing, talks about the details of the law Gov. Abbott just signed in the video below.

The legislation removes the requirement for Concealed Handgun Licensees (CHLs) to keep their handguns concealed by giving them the option of carrying their firearm either wholly or partially visible in a belt or shoulder holster.

This common-sense law expands law-abiding citizens’ right to exercise their constitutional freedoms and affirms Texans’ long tradition of supporting the Second Amendment.

We would like to thank bill sponsors Rep. Larry Phillips and Sen. Craig Estes and many more members of the Texas Legislature for getting this measure in front of Gov. Abbott for his signature.

Bullet points about HB 910:

— It takes effect on January 1, 2016. Before then, it will not be legal to openly carry a modern handgun in the State of Texas.Open Carry

— The CHL holder will only be able to openly carry a handgun in a shoulder or belt holster.

— There is no need for additional licenses: A CHL will automatically become a handgun license allowing traditional concealed carry or holstered open carry.

— The license holder must be in possession of their license while carrying a handgun. Police can approach someone openly carrying and ask for their handgun license.

To hear more about the law, watch the video above by Edwin Walker, Program Attorney for Texas Law Shield. Though the video was produced prior to Gov. Abbott signing HB 910, details of the law Gov. Abbott just signed were available and have been thoroughly reviewed by Law Shield program attorneys.

 

 

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