Texans have been allowed to openly carry holstered handguns since January 1, 2016. There were concerns when the law was passed. Would 7-11 turn into the O.K. Corral? What happened if two people wanted to buy the same car? Would they walk 20 paces and draw?
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, there’s not much to report other than some confusion about where they can/can’t openly carry. Guns are not allowed at election sites, racetracks, schools while children are present, and courtrooms – to name a few.
And what about a business? Business owners who do not want handguns on their property can post signs prohibiting them. But they should be aware that there are strict regulations regarding wording and text size for both signs (Section 30.06 and Section 30.07):
The signs must appear in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height
The signs must be in both English and Spanish
Must be displayed in a prominent place near the entrance
Must say: “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.”
While some may take advantage of a business that doesn’t have the exact wording, business owners can still orally tell a gun carrier that they are not welcome.
Interestingly, under the headline of the doctrine of unintended consequences, some CHL users in Texas complain that the open carry law has resulted in more “30.06” signs being posted. “30.06” signs ban concealed carry users from buildings and businesses.
So far, we have not heard any news reports of a gun battle over a Slurpee. And let’s hope we never do.
