Texas Police Groups Oppose Part Of Open Carry Bill
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AUSTIN(AP) — Law enforcement groups from across Texas are demanding Gov. Greg Abbott veto a handgun open carry bill if they can't strip out a restriction on police powers to question people carrying weapons.
Abbott has pledged to sign an open carry bill into law.
Police groups were angered when the Senate added a provision barring officers from asking someone carrying a handgun if they are licensed to have it.
Lobbying groups from city police chiefs, sheriffs and representatives of police unions in Dallas and Houston on Wednesday demanded the restriction be removed, calling it dangerous for police and the public.
Conservatives say Texans should not be stopped for law-abiding activity. Minority lawmakers say the ban would prevent racial profiling.
Texas has allowed concealed carry of handguns since 1995.
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