Texas Senate close to passing bill allowing people in the state to openly carry handguns

The Texas Senate is on the verge of passing a bill that would allow people in the state to openly carry handguns and could pass the bill as early as Tuesday, USA Today reported.

If senators in the state pass the bill, concealed handgun license holders would be allowed to carry their guns outside their clothes.

Texas currently is one of six states and Washington DC that do not allow the open carry of firearms. California, Florida, Illinois, New York and South Carolina are the others. Of the states that do allow open carry, 30 allow people to carry firearms without a permit or license.

Texas would require permits if it passes the open carry law. Almost 850,000 people in Texas have concealed weapons permits, which are granted after classroom and shooting-range training.

The Lone Star State already allows the open carry of long guns – rifles and shotguns – and concealed handguns are permitted in the state Capitol building.

The state Senate could vote on the bill as early as Tuesday. If it passes, it will head to the state House of Representatives for a vote. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has said he would sign an open-carry bill.

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