Many didn’t think it would happen but, Texas has joined the 44 other states in the union to allow open carry.  Governor Abbott announced on his Facebook Page that he had signed the legislation into law.

Here are the bullet points about HB 910 (Open Carry):

  • 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.
  • 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.

Because there is confusion concerning the new law, 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:

 

Governor Abbott speaks before signing bill into law: