June 16, 2021- 6:55 p.m.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill Wednesday to allow holstered handguns to be carried in Texas without a permit, delivering a victory for gun advocates and the conservative wing of the party.
Beginning Sept. 1, House Bill 1927 will allow anyone 21 years old or older who can legally possess a firearm in Texas to carry a handgun in public without a permit. Current state law allows residents 21 or older to carry a handgun only after completing the required training and criminal background check to obtain a license to carry.
Abbott will hold a bill signing ceremony at the Alamo in San Antonio on Thursday for the permitless carry measure and several other gun bills. He’s expected to be joined by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dade Phelan, Republican lawmakers and National Rifle Association representatives.
The House and Senate sent the measure to Abbott last month after reaching a compromise that addressed some concerns from law enforcement.
The final version created stiffer penalties for illegal weapons carried by felons and those convicted of family violence offenses.
The bill also allows those previously convicted of unlawfully carrying a handgun in a public place to have the conviction expunged from their record, and provides a limited affirmative defense for those who mistakenly bring their handgun to certain prohibited places.
