Happy Open Carry Day!

Happy New Year! Today the open carry law went into effect, meaning that if you have a Concealed Handgun License, you may now openly carry a handgun in most (but not all) locations where it was legal to conceal carry before. (It was already legal to openly carry rifles and shotguns without a CHL, and the open carry law didn’t change that.)

The Houston Chronicle has some pointers on open carry, though annoyingly, they are in slideshow form. Some highlights:

  • Open carry of handguns is only allowed for those who already hold a valid CHL.
  • You need a belt or shoulder holster to open carry, even in your car. Your gun must be holstered while driving or otherwise hidden.
  • Primary and secondary schools, hospitals, sporting events, and nursing homes are still “gun-free zones.”
  • Handguns cannot be taken into amusement parks, churches, hospitals and bars and public meetings if they post notice it’s a gun-free zone.
  • CHL holders can open carry unless it’s been prohibited by the private property owner. (I am given to understand that HEB is allowing concealed carry, but not open carry.)
  • “If you do not leave you could be charged with criminal trespass and/or unlawful carry. You will also most likely lose your rights to carry a handgun too.”
  • A 30.06 sign means no concealed carry on premises but open carry is allowed.

  • A 30.07 sign ONLY means no open carry on premises but conceal carry is allowed.

  • And you still can’t carry (open or concealed) in an establishment that derrives 51% or more of its income from the sale of alcohol:

  • You can’t open or conceal carry beyond the security checkpoint in an airport (duh).
  • Reciprocity still applies, so if you’re licensed to conceal carry by another state, you’re licensed to open carry in Texas.
  • The separate campus carry law which allows CHL holders to conceal carry in most buildings at most public universities does not go into effect January 1, but rather August 1, but you still won’t be able to open carry on campus then. Private colleges and universities may opt out, and junior colleges do not need to comply until August 2017.
  • I think the touches all the highlights. If you think I missed something important, let me know in the comments.

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    One Response to “Happy Open Carry Day!”

    1. Cyberats says:

      Business & Universities are PUBLIC organizations dealing WITH the Public at large and as such should be made to comply with State Law and Not be allowed to Opt Out.

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