FORNEY, Texas — Beginning January 1, 2016, licensed Texans will be allowed to visibly open carry their handguns in a belt or shoulder holster — becoming the 45th state to allow some form of open carry.
FORNEY, Texas — Beginning January 1, 2016, licensed Texans will be allowed to visibly open carry their handguns in a belt or shoulder holster — becoming the 45th state to allow some form of open carry.
Valid Concealed Handgun License (CHL) holders and individuals who obtain a License to Carry (LTC) will be able to wear their weapon in plan view, in accordance with House Bill 910 which was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott earlier this year.
Open carry, like concealed carry, is prohibited in private business with posted signage indicating concealed or open carry is prohibited under Penal Code Section 30.06 and 30.07, respectively. It is also prohibited in, but not limited to, governmental meetings subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act, places of worship, amusement parks, school premises, hospitals and nursing homes, businesses that derive more than 51 percent or more of their revenue from alcohol sales, and government courts.
Law enforcement agencies across the state have already begun training dispatchers and police officers in anticipation of an increased 911 call volume for armed citizens and have released public service announcements (PSA).
The Dallas Police Department, in a PSA, says people who are suspicious of an individual openly carrying a handgun should first take the time to observe the person before calling 911. Police say you should call 911 if the person is committing a crime, has un-holstered the weapon, appears intoxicated, or is acting recklessly.
The Kaufman County Commissioners’ Court is set to meet on Monday morning to discuss and consider any “possible action on weapons restrictions and signage at certain county buildings, including restrictions on handgun licensees bringing handguns on the premises of any government court or offices utilized by the court,” according to its posted agenda.
Additionally, the court will meet in executive session to consult with the county’s attorney in regard to “pending or threatened litigation, settlement offers, claims, or other matters” concerning “legal issues and potential liabilities regarding handgun laws and regulation of handguns in certain county buildings.”
The entire bills text can be viewed online at http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/pdf/HB00910F.pdf#navpanes=0.
More information from the Texas Department of Public Safety on licensing and regulations can be found online at http://txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/chl/index.htm.
