House Bill 910 will be effective on January 1, 2016 and for many Texans who already have their CHL that means they will be licensed to openly carry a holstered handgun. Here is a list of things you need to know about the bill that we pulled from the Texas Department of Public Safety website.

General Information:

• Authorizes individuals to obtain a license to openly carry a handgun in the same places that allow the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun with some exceptions. (See “Exceptions” below for more information.)
• Unconcealed handguns, loaded or unloaded, must be carried in a shoulder or belt holster.
• Individuals who hold a valid CHL may continue to carry with valid existing license.
• A separate license will not be required to open carry. No additional fee will be required.
• Individuals currently licensed will not be required to attend additional training. Training curriculum for new applicants will be updated to reflect the new training requirements related to the use of restraint holsters and methods to ensure the secure carrying of openly carried handguns. The new curriculum will be required for all classes beginning January 1, 2016.
• The eligibility criteria to obtain a license to carry do not change.
• The department will be updating website, forms and training materials to reference License to Carry (LTC) instead of Concealed Handgun License (CHL).

Changes to the laminated license are being developed and will be implemented at a later date.

Signage

• Private businesses may post signs to indicate entry on the property with a handgun by a license holder is forbidden.
• Penal Code Section 30.06 provides the language to be included on signs to indicate license holders are forbidden to carry concealed.
• Penal Code Section 30.07 provides the language to be included on signs to indicate license holders are forbidden to open carry.
• Posting of both signs is an indication by the business that license holders are forbidden to carry concealed or openly.

Exceptions

Open carry is not permitted by a license holder regardless of whether the handgun is holstered:

• on the premises of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education
• on any public or private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage or other parking area of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education
• by an individual who is acting as a personal protection officer under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code and is not wearing a uniform