State Senate OKs Unlicensed Handgun Carry

(Austin, TX) — A bill to allow the unlicensed carry of handguns in Texas is on its way back to the House after its party-line passage in the Senate.

In nearly seven hours of debate on Wednesday, some Republican amendments to the bill were adopted in order to win the support of several reluctant Republicans. GOP Senator Charles Schwertner says businesses can still pass rules to keep open-carry off their premises.

Supporters say it’s important to restore a right removed in the 1870s while suggesting it will keep more people safe. Opponents, including police chiefs, say it will make police jobs harder because officers won’t know if someone they encounter is armed or not.

The Texas House passed the bill last month. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick originally suggested permit less carry wouldn’t pass the Senate, but later formed a new committee to hear the bill. All 18 Senate Republicans voted in favor of the bill and all 13 Democrats opposed it.