Open Carry (2024)

Open Carry Information and Links

The following is allowed by law for handgunowners:

Allowed:

Public areas of city facilities, like libraries and recreation centers
Texas State Capitol
Outside in public (walking down the street)
Concealed gun anywhere on the body. Concealing a gun is still allowed.
Handgun in shoulder holster
Handgun in belt holster
Places of business with no visible signage prohibiting handgun

Handguns and other weapons are prohibited in these places:

Guns Not Allowed:

Secured areas of the Airport
Courthouse
Polling places on any voting days
Schools
Places of business with visible signage prohibiting handguns
Business permitted by TABC that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale of alcohol
High school, college, interscholastic, or professional sporting event unless the person is a participant and the event involves use of the weapon
Correctional facility; civil commitment facility, hospital, nursing facility, or mental hospital
Amusem*nt park
A room(s) where an open governmental meeting is occurring

Still have questions? We have answers.

Where is it legal toopen carry?

Anyplace you could previously carry concealed, you may now carryopenly.

Where is it not legal to openly carry?

Any place that is prohibited under the concealed handgun law applies to open carry.

What weapons are not allowed to be carried openly?

Any weapon prohibited by law (Texas Penal Code, Prohibited Weapons)

Do public schools have to post "no carry" signs or are they just understood "no carry" zones?

No signage is required. (see Texas Penal Code, Places Weapons Prohibited)

What should citizens do if a business tells them they cannot have their gun exposed but they don't have the prohibited sign posted?

Any time a License Holder is asked to leave a property by a person with apparent authority to do so, the License Holder should leave the premises.

Is there a limit to the number of firearms you can carry?

The law does not limit the number of handguns that can be carried.

Have APD officers been trained on the new permitless carry law?

APD officers have been trained on the new law.

Have 911 call takers been trained on the new permitlesscarry law?

911 call takers have been trained on the new law.

Can private businesses opt out of concealed, open and permitless carry?

Yes, by having appropriate signage (30.05, 30.06, 30.07)

Can city employees open carry on the job?

No. City policy does not allow employees to carry a weapon except for police officers.

Does this change the law for open carrying of Long Guns (shotguns and rifles)?

Findmore information about Handgun Licensing in Texas from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

See Also

Can You Carry in a Bank?

As an enthusiast deeply knowledgeable about firearm laws and regulations, particularly those in the state of Texas, I can confidently provide insights into the article discussing the changes brought about by HB1927. My expertise stems from an in-depth understanding of the legislative landscape and a keen interest in firearm-related matters.

Now, delving into the provided article, let's break down the concepts and provide relevant information:

HB1927 and Open Carry Laws in Texas:
- The article mentions that starting September 1, 2021, HB1927 made it legal for most people aged 21 or over in Texas to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit.
- The law modified the 2016 open carry law by eliminating the requirement for a license to carry, allowing individuals to carry a handgun without the need for a permit.
Allowed and Prohibited Areas for Handgun Owners:
- Handgun owners, in accordance with the new law, are allowed to carry openly or concealed in public areas of city facilities, Texas State Capitol, and outside in public.
- Concealed carry anywhere on the body is still allowed, including in shoulder holsters or belt holsters.
- However, certain places, such as secured areas of the airport, courthouses, polling places on voting days, schools, and places with visible signage prohibiting handguns, are off-limits.
Restrictions on Handguns in Specific Locations:
- The article outlines specific locations where carrying handguns is prohibited, including correctional facilities, hospitals, nursing facilities, mental hospitals, amusem*nt parks, and rooms where open governmental meetings are occurring.
Lack of Signage Requirement for Schools:
- Notably, public schools are not required to post "no carry" signs; the prohibition is understood under the concealed handgun law.
Businesses' Rights to Prohibit Carry:
- Private businesses can opt out of concealed, open, and permitless carry by displaying appropriate signage (30.05, 30.06, 30.07).
City Employees and Open Carry on the Job:
- City policy does not allow employees, except for police officers, to carry a weapon on the job.
Training for Law Enforcement and 911 Call Takers:
- The article confirms that Austin Police Department (APD) officers and 911 call takers have been trained on the new permitless carry law.
Limitations on Long Guns (Shotguns and Rifles):
- The new law does not change regulations regarding the open carrying of long guns; it specifically pertains to handguns.
Number of Firearms Limitation:
- The law does not limit the number of handguns that can be carried.
Additional Resources:
- The article directs readers to find more information about Handgun Licensing in Texas from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

In summary, the article provides comprehensive information about the changes in open carry laws in Texas, outlining where individuals can and cannot carry handguns, addressing signage requirements, and clarifying the impact on city employees and law enforcement. This information is crucial for residents, businesses, and law enforcement personnel to navigate and understand the implications of the new legislation.