A bit about Texas open-carry

The Texas open-carry bill signed into law last month by Gov. Greg Abbott may change the day-to-day firearms sightings around Freestone county slightly, as it eliminates the need for most Texans to obtain a license to carry a handgun.

The new legislation becomes effective Sept. 1, making Texas the 21st state to pass the measure. The law actually consists of seven bills, the most prominent of which covers “constitutional carry” — allowing individuals 21 years of age or older, who can legally possess a firearm, to carry a handgun without first obtaining a license. Some of the other legislation expands the list of people barred from carrying a firearm, increases the penalties for those who illegally do so, and allows law enforcement officers to question people solely for carrying a firearm.

Those who are not allowed to carry a firearm include people under 21 years of age, non-citizens, felons, people under indictment or investigation, fugitives, individuals committed to a mental institution, individuals convicted of crimes punishable by a more than a year in prison, those who are unlawful users of controlled substances, or someone subjected to a restraining order because of or related to domestic violence against an intimate partner or a child.

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