City Of Dallas Prepares For New Open Carry Law
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Starting Jan. 1, 2016, Texans will be able to legally carry their handguns in a holster openly anywhere they could carry concealed in accordance with House Bill 910.
Individuals who obtain a license to carry or have a valid concealed handgun license will be able to carry their weapon in plain view, when properly secured in a belt or shoulder holster.
In a news release, the City of Dallas says it has trained 311 and 911 call takers on the new laws and regulations to ensure they are able to answer concerned citizen's questions. Dallas Police Department has trained police officers on the new laws so that they are aware of what is legal and what is a violation under the new open carry law.
The city says it wants to ensure all residents understand the new law and know when to call 911.
Citizens are urged to call 911 only when encountering a person who is in clear violation of House Bill 910.
Violations can include the removal of the gun from a secured holster, when a gun holder seems intoxicated and when the gun holder is committing a crime or acting in a reckless or suspicious manner.
This new law doesn't mean LTC holders will be able to openly carry anywhere.
Holders are prohibited from carrying in certain locations such as worship centers, amusement parks, and governmental meetings subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Handguns will not be allowed at high school, collegiate or professional sporting events or interscholastic events at the Dallas Convention Center and the Cotton Bowl.
The city produced an educational public service announcement here along with answers to frequently asked questions.
(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
