Republican Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, signed a bill on Wednesday which allows Texans to constitutionally carry their firearm(s).
The bill is called HR 1927 and will allow anyone over 21 years of age or older who is legally able to possess a handgun in public without a permit.
Texas already allows citizens who own rifles to open carry, they now join 20 other states who have similar laws. The law will go into effect in September.
According to the Austin American Statesman, other bills were signed as well which would help supplement HR 1927.
- SB 19: “Relating to prohibited contracts with companies that discriminate against the firearm or ammunition industries.”
- SB 20: Hotels cannot create policies that would restrict firearms in their buildings.
- SB 550: Pistol carriers may elect whatever holsters they want.
- HB 957: Firearm suppressors are no longer prohibited from purchase.
- HB 1500: Makes firearms/ammunition sellers and manufacturers essential businesses.
- HB 2622: Both state and local governments may not enforce new federal gun laws.
Abbott said during a press conference at the Alamo complex, “Today, I signed documents that instill freedom in the Lone Star State.”
Texas Democratic Congresswoman, Veronica Escobar, tweeted, “Despite overwhelming support for gun violence prevention legislation, Republicans, led by a cowardly governor, are more interested in groveling for the gun lobby’s attention than they are in preventing gun violence and honoring victims and survivors in El Paso and across Texas.”