Texas Legislature 2013 - Will Texas Finally Pass an Open Carry Law for Concealed Carry Licensees

During the 2011 Legislature, the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill out of committee that would allow licensed concealed carry permit holders the option of carrying a firearm open or concealed. The bill did not make it to the floor for a vote of the entire House. In this session, as the debate over gun control rages on at the federal level, Representative George Lavender (R-Texarkana) and Representative Chris Paddie (R-Marshall) have introduced HB 700 to bring the debate forward again. This bill will certainly gather a lot of attention as it works its way through the 2013 Legislature. (Photo from Marie-Claire UK)

Lavender expects the bill to move more efficiently this session as it has been introduced earlier in the session.  In a statement released yesterday, Lavender said,"This bill allows law abiding, licensed individuals to more fully exercise their 2nd Amendment rights," said Rep. Lavender. "At the time when the federal government is increasingly infringing upon our 2nd Amendment rights, we are saying that if you are a law abiding citizen, we want you to be able to defend yourself, your family and your property."

"Texas is one of the very few states that does not allow its citizens some form of open carry. Texas should not be a laggard in supporting gun rights, but rather should be leading the fight to protect our 2nd Amendment rights," said Rep. Paddie. "We are committed to supporting the 2nd Amendment rights of all Texans and this bill shows our continued commitment to the 2nd Amendment, even in the face of increasing federal scrutiny."

Last session's bill received solid support, but it was introduced late in the session. Lavender believes that by introducing it earlier this session, he will be able to usher it through more effectively. 

Lucy Nashed, Deputy Press Secretary for Texas Governor Rick Perry responded my questions about the issue stating that Gov. Perry "is very supportive of concealed carry, and has a CHL himself.  Expanding that to open carry would require a lot of public discussion and legislative deliberation.  Should any bill on open carry make it through the legislative process and onto the governor's desk, he will thoughtfully review it."

As can be expected, the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) will be standing strongly beside this bill. NRA spokeswoman Jacqueline Otto told me today, "The NRA will always support law-abiding citizens' ability to defend themselves and their loved ones."  

Example of Level 2 Holsters from Zahl Israeli Tactical Gear

As can be expected, the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) will be standing strongly beside this bill. NRA spokeswoman Jacqueline Otto told me today, "The NRA will always support law-abiding citizens' ability to defend themselves and their loved ones."  

In an attempt to garner support from law enforcement, the bill contains a requirement that anyone carrying a gun openly will be required to have what is known as a "Level 2" retention holster. Level 2 requires a thumb snap in addition to at least one other retention mechanism such as a trigger guard clamp or an additional snap over the trigger guard area. This necessitates three seperate actions to draw the weapon.

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson was the author of the Texas Concealed Carry Law when he was a state senator. I asked Patterson about the proposed change to allow open carry. "There's no reason Texans who have a CHL shouldn't have the option to carry openly, and I support HB 700," Patterson said. "There are dozens of states that allow open carry, even by non CHL holders, without a problem. It would be reassuring to see someone with an unconcealed sidearm and know that by definition, they're not a criminal."

Several additional joint authors will be announced next week in the House, and the bill is expected to receive solid support from Republicans in the Senate according to a spokesperson in Lavender's office. The bill, most likely, will be introduced to the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety. From there, it must clear the Calendar committee before coming to a vote of the full House. If it gets that far, it is expected to pass the House.

Open carry is allowed by many states across the nation.  Some states allow even non-licensed citizens to openly carry handguns. I have carried openly in New Mexico and Arizona where it is allowed by law. It is certainly a different feeling than carrying concealed, and there are many considerations you must take into consideration before doing so. That said, a law abiding citizen should be allowed the option of carrying concealed or openly.  

The predictions of gunfights in the streets and increased violent crime are simply not true. The presence of a good guy with a gun or even the threat of that presence will often deter a bad guy from doing wrong. After all, look at the number of shootings in "Gun Free Zones".

There will be much discussion on this bill from both sides. Lavender's spokesperson told me today, they have not received a single phone call in opposition to the bill. We Texans know what we want!