Texas — which has allowed concealed handguns for 20 years — is set to approve carrying handguns openly.
Texas lawmakers approved the bill Friday, which goes now to the desk of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who promised to sign it.
Open Carry just passed in both the Texas House & Senate. Next destination: My Pen. #txlege #tcot @NRA
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 29, 2015
Gun owners would still have to obtain a handgun license to carry a handgun, which would have to be in a visible holster. Police will also be able to ask Texans with their handguns in plain sight if they have the proper licenses.
The bill also recognizes the concealed handgun licenses from other states; those holders will now be allowed to openly carry their handguns in Texas.
The ban on open-carry in Texas dates back decades. Texas has roughly 850,000 concealed handgun license holders.
“We think of Texas being gun happy, but we didn’t afford our citizens the same rights most other states do,” state Rep. Larry Phillips, a Republican from Sherman and one of the bill’s authors, said.
The House approved the bill on a mostly party-line 102-43 vote. The Senate then passed it 20-11, with all support from Republicans and all opposition from Democrats.
(h/t The Associated Press)
