'This one is historic': Permitless carry bill headed to Abbott’s desk

The Texas Senate recently passed a bill that provides for “constitutional carry,” which supporters say removes requirements that individuals be licensed with the state in order to exercise rights related to gun ownership and the U.S. Constitution.

State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) hailed the passage of House Bill 1927 in a post to his official Facebook page. 

“The Texas Senate just passed HB 1927, ensuring Texans’ constitutional rights. Of the votes I have cast in the Legislature, this one is historic,” he said in his post. “You have my word, we will get this bill to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk and signed into law.”

The next step for the bill is the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott.

HB 1927 was passed by the state Senate in a 18-13 party-line vote, according to voting records. The bill would end the requirement that gun owners who are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm by state or federal law have a permit in order to carry a firearm in public.

U.S. Concealed Carry lists 20 other states that currently permit handguns to be carried without a permit, including Vermont and Montana. However, The states do vary in regard to who can carry without a permit and where they are able carry without a permit. 

Additionally, many states that are not considered constitutional carry, such as Ohio, do not require a permit if a firearm is worn openly rather than concealed, according to the website.

HB 1927 did face opposition from law enforcement, according to coverage by KSAT.