Early this week, the topic of open carry has been the subject of much debate on the floor of the Texas Legislature, and will continue to be of primary attention to Rep. Schaefer.
HB 910 passed its final vote Monday on the floor of the Texas House by a vote of 101-42. The bill will allow Texans who possess a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) to openly carry a handgun in a shoulder or belt holster. Eighteen amendments were offered to the bill by both Republicans and Democrats—but only one substantive amendment was passed.
Rep. Matt Schaefer’s amendment changed the misdemeanor level for the offense of accidentally carrying a concealed handgun into a business that is properly displaying a 30.06 sign that prohibits concealed carry.
His amendment changes the offense from the highest level of misdemeanor, Class A, to the lowest, Class C, in the spirit of the infraction being unintentional. The offense goes back up to a Class A misdemeanor if the CHL holder refuses to leave the premises after being asked to do so.
Rep. Schaefer believes the ability to open carry is in concert with our founding fathers desires for freedom, “Texas ought to be as free as the freest state. But when it comes to guns rights, Texas falls behind many other states.”
“I’m a ‘yes’ for on open carry for licensed concealed handgun owner because it puts Texas closer to fully respecting the individual right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment.”
What’s next for HB 910 following its passage through the House?
It now moves to the Texas Senate for consideration. With approval there, it could be signed into law on the governor’s desk.
Governor Abbott has already promised to sign any open carry legislation, granting this personal protection option that 44 other states currently allow.
