Senate committee backs open-carry bill
Texans who can legally carry handguns could do so without a state license under a bill approved by a special Senate panel Thursday. Committee chair and bill sponsor Senator Charles Schwertner of Georgetown told members that the constitution is clear on the right to keep and bear arms. “HB 1927 recognizes the United States Constitution as our permit to carry”, he said. “It allows all law-abiding adults to carry a handgun for the protection of themselves and their families.” The bill would allow Texans at least 21 years of age, who are legally permitted to own a handgun, to carry that weapon on their person, in a holster, without a license from the state. Schwertner stressed that the bill would not change laws relating to possession of firearms nor would it change federal background check requirements.