BILL ALLOWING CARRY OF HANDGUNS WITHOUT PERMIT HEADS TO GOV. ABBOTT’S DESK
The Texas Legislature has given final approval to a bill that would allow Texans to carry handguns without a license.
The Texas House and Senate reached a compromise on separate versions of the measure on Monday, sending the final bill to Governor Greg Abbott to be made law. The bill, which Abbott has said he would sign, would allow anyone over 21 who is legally able to possess a firearm in Texas to openly carry a handgun without a permit.
Supporters of the bill say it guarantees residents the right to bear arms and gives them better opportunity to defend themselves. Meanwhile, opponents say it could lead to increased gun violence.
One provision in the bill will allow people previously convicted for carrying a handgun without a license to have the conviction expunged. Other amendments include enhanced penalties for felons and family violence offenders who are caught illegally in possession of a weapon, and a requirement that the Texas Department of Public Safety create a free online course on gun safety.
If the bill is signed, Texas would become the largest of nearly two dozen other states that allow the unlicensed carry of a handgun. The law would go into effect September 1st.