By Megan Wehring
Texas is one step closer to becoming one of nearly 20 states to allow residents to carry firearms in public without a permit.
Before midnight on Sunday, the Texas House approved House Bill 1927 with an 82-62 vote and the Senate approved the bill with a 17-3 vote later on Monday. The legislation is now headed to Gov. Greg Abbott who has said he would sign it into law.
HB 1927 would allow eligible Texans 21 years or older to carry a firearm in public without needing to acquire a license.
Police officers would be allowed to disarm a person, according to the legislation amendments, if they believe it is necessary to protect the person, an officer or another individual. The gun can be returned if there is no threat. The bill would also increase penalties for felons and family violence offenders caught carrying a gun.
If signed into law, HB 1927 would take effect in September.
