Texas might become a little more Texas-y in terms of the rest of the country’s view of our state.
If a proposed House bill passes, licensed handgun carriers could strap those babies to their thighs just like the old days.
According to an Associated Press article, the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety voted 5-3 to remove the word “concealed” from “handgun license” and allow registered owners to carry the weapons in plain sight. That way the bad guys would know who’s packing the heat.
The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for a vote.
The “open carry” law — authored by Rep. George Lavender of Texarkana — would not change the licensing process but it would require applicants to wear spurs and a 10-gallon hat to the registration office. OK, so that last part is made up. Probably.
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The article went on to say “advocates said the law would deter crime. Opponents warned it would create a dangerous and intimidating climate in densely populated cities.”
Hey, you want “dangerous and intimidating” try driving the speed limit on the Dallas North Tollway. Maybe a handgun in full sight will speed those pokey drivers up a few mph.
Bruce Felps owns and operates East Dallas Times, an online community news outlet serving the White Rock Lake area. He was hoping for a different kind of open carry like they have on Bourbon Street.
