AUSTIN -- Gov. Greg Abbott signed the open carry and campus carry bills into law Saturday.
Abbott signed HB 910 (Phillips, R-Sherman; Estes, R-Wichita Falls) and SB 11 (Birdwell, R-Granbury; Fletcher, R-Cypress), which expand Texans' Second Amendment rights. Both bills implement proposals in the Governor's Bicentennial Blueprint.
HB 910, known as "open carry," authorizes individuals with a license to carry a holstered handgun openly in all locations that allow the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun. SB 11, known as "campus carry" authorizes individuals with a license to carry a concealed handgun on campuses of public institutions of higher education.
"Today I am proud to expand liberty in the Lone Star State," said Abbott. "By signing these bills into law, Texans can be assured that their Second Amendment rights will be stronger and more secure than ever before."
The open carry bill, House Bill 910, passed the House by a 102-43 vote May 29. Senate Bill 11, which will allow campus carry, passed one day before the end of the legislative session.
The bills will allow licensed owners to carry handguns openly in a holster.
Open carry is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2016 and campus carry is set to go into effect August 1, 2016.
Some businesses can still prohibit handguns as long as a certain signs are posted.
