Open Carry Austin

Three blocks away from my house, someone pointed a gun to my head. I realized two things that night – being alive is pretty sick & I knew nothing about guns laws in Texas.

Learn the Law View Open Carry Ban Map
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What does open carry mean?

Texans with a concealed handgun license (CHL) can carry their guns in plain view with a shoulder/hip holster.

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What's required to get a CHL?

Texas CHL Requirements

Concealed handgun license

  • 21 years old & TX residency

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    Applicants must be at least 21 years of age (unless active duty military) and must meet federal qualifications to purchase a handgun.

    Must be a legal resident of this state for the six-month period preceding the date of application under this subchapter or is otherwise eligible for a nonresident license.

  • Clean criminal history

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    Not currently charged with the commission of a felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor, or equivalent offense, or an offense under Sec. 42.01 of the penal Code (Disorderly Conduct) or equivalent offense, is not a fugitive from justice for a felony, Class A or Class B misdemeanor, or an equivalent offense.

  • Proficiency exam

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    • Twenty shots (20) will be fired from 3 yards.
    • Twenty shots (20) will be fired from 7 yards – fired 5 stages.
    • Ten shots (10) fired from 15 yards – fired in two 5-shot strings.

  • Classroom training

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    The classroom instruction may be a four to six hour course and must cover the four (4) statutory required topics:

    1. Laws that relate to weapons and the use of deadly force
    2. Handgun use and safety, including use of restraint holsters and methods to ensure the secure carrying of openly carried handguns
    3. Non-violent dispute resolution
    4. Proper storage practices for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that eliminate the possibility of accidental injury to a child

Select the guns below that are not allowed to be carried openly.

Rifle

Semi-automatic rifle

Shotgun

Mossberg 590 shotgun

Revolver

Smith & Wesson M&P revolver

Pistol

CZ 75 Semi-automatic pistol

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Proponents

Denying the right to open carry infringes on the Second Amendment. It's another way for law-abiding individuals to protect themselves. Displaying a gun openly could deter criminals from taking action. Other states allow open carry with no problems.

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Opponents

The law will increase the risk of gun-related injuries and deaths, whether it be accidental or intentional. Open carry will create an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. Police will have a hard time discerning between criminals and gun-carrying law abiding citizens.

Did you know?

You don't need a state permit to purchase a gun in Texas.

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When is open carry prohibited?

There are exceptions to the law.

Bars

At Bars

All guns are banned at businesses that make 51% of their money from the sale of alcohol.

Hospitals

At Hospitals

Existing law ban guns in state-licensed hospitals, but it doesn’t include psychiatric hospitals because they aren’t licensed by the state.

school

Schools

Open carry is banned at schools. However in August 2016, the new campus carry law will go into effect and allow concealed carry.

Drunk

While Drunk

You can't carry while intoxicated/on drugs - whenever you don't have the normal use of your mental/physical faculties as a result of some substance.

Did you know?

On August 1, 2016 it will be legal to carry concealed guns at colleges & universities.

Gregory Fenves
Gregory Fenves
UT Austin President

"Under the law, I cannot adopt a policy that has the general effect of excluding licensed concealed handguns from campus...I agree with the working group that a classroom exclusion would have this effect...I do not believe handguns belong on a university campus, so this decision has been the greatest challenge of my presidency to date."

Jessica Jin
Jessica Jin
Campus (Dildo) Carry

"I need this proliferation of dildos to offer people a visual representation of what it would be like if we all carried guns. It should look ridiculous to you. That is the point. This is America; if guns and bloodshed don't wake people up, a public celebration of sexuality may just do the trick."

Senator Joan Huffman
Sen. Joan Huffman
R-Houston

"They have a right to carry [guns] and have passed a background check...I hope you don't put these individuals in a place where they are treated differently than other students."

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Can private properties prohibit open carry?

A PC 30.07 sign prohibits open carry.

In English

Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (Trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly.

En español

Conforme a la Sección 30.07 del Código Penal (traspasar portando armas de fuego al aire libre con licencia) personas con licencia bajo del Sub-Capitulo H, Capitulo 411, Codigo de Gobierno (ley de portar armas), no deben entrar a esta propiedad portando un arma de fuego al aire libre.

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Where is open carry banned around you?

Open-carry banned Austin businesses

The businesses below display the appropriate signage banning open carry. Important to note, the big ol' national chains of Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooter’s, and TGI Fridays ban open carry as well. If something seems wack or missing, contact me @meganmvo.

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