(Reuters) – Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law on Saturday bills allowing the open carrying of handguns in public and of concealed handguns on state university campuses, his office said.
Abbott, a Republican, said the measures secure Texans’ rights to bear arms guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment.
“Today, I am proud to expand liberty in the Lone Star State,” Abbott said in a statement.
Abbott’s signing of the bills at a shooting range near Austin came just hours after a man attacked the headquarters of the Dallas Police Departmentwith gunfire and explosives. The assailant was shot and killed by police. No one else was injured in the assault.
Abbott called the attack an “isolated incident by someone who had serious mental challenges, as well as a possible criminal background” and “is no indication whatsoever of empowering people with their Second Amendment right,” the Texas Tribune reported.
One of the bills allows people with a license to carry a holstered handgun openly anywhere a concealed handgun is allowed.
The bill on carrying handguns at state universities, known as “campus carry,” was a priority for gun rights activists, although many universities statewide opposed it.
Texans must be 21 to get a concealed-carry license, meaning many college students will not qualify.
The “open carry” law is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2016 while the “campus carry” will take effect Aug. 1, 2016.
(Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Alan Crosby)
http://news.yahoo.com/texas-governor-signs-bills-expanding-carrying-handguns-203752089.html
“Abbott called the attack an “isolated incident by someone who had serious mental challenges, as well as a possible criminal background” and “is no indication whatsoever of empowering people with their Second Amendment right,” the Texas Tribune reported.”
Or total bullsh#t.
The fact that we have these so called “bills” tells me one thing. They ignore the second amendment which is plain as day as to what our rights are. Shame on the communists, no matter what letter is next to their name.
Fine. Now is he gonna sign any law allowing a gold/silver repository banking system, or get Texas’s assets out of the Federal Reserve System?
Or is he too damned afraid to be assassinated?
Good job, Governor Wheels! Sign something into law that already IS the law. Ever hear of the 2nd Article to the Bill of Rights, you dumb Professor Xavier wannabe?
Unfrigginbelievable….
I don’t need another law that tells me I still need a permit to carry. MY 2nd ARTICLE IS MY PERMIT TO CARRY, YOU DOUCHEBAG!!! I know your legs are numb, but is your brain numb, too?