Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas -- As of Jan. 1, 2016, the state of Texas will allow the open carrying of handguns.
Under Senate Bill 17, anyone with a license is permitted to openly carry a handgun. Texas was one of only five states that didn’t allow open carry in some form.
In 2014 the state of Texas had over 825,000 license holders, with over 300 of those license holders coming from Val Verde County.
“It’s impossible to know exactly how many people are going to exercise open carry. As the law goes into effect, and we go through the process we’ll be able to better grasp how S.B. 17 will affect the community,” said Joe Frank Martinez, Val Verde County sheriff. “What we do know is that citizens who choose to open carry must be aware of the rules and regulations involved with the new law.”
Things to be aware of if choosing to open carry:
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The actions authorized by S.B. 17 are prohibited while on Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
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Handguns can only be carried openly in a shoulder or belt holster.
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Property owners could still prevent people from carrying on their premises by posting state-sanctioned signs.
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People who already have concealed handgun licenses would not have to re-apply; their licenses would automatically allow open carry after the effective date of the bill.
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Applicants will have to meet the same requirements that they currently do to get a concealed handgun license.
“The new open carry law isn’t going to change Laughlin’s policy on proper storage and transportation of weapons,” said Maj. Crystal Lane, 47th Security Forces Squadron commander. “Those entering Laughlin will still need to have ammunition separated from the firearm, notify the gate-guard, and travel directly from the gate to where the weapon is stored, or vice-versa if leaving.”
As with concealed carry, citizens exercising open carry should take proper safety measures. For the safety of yourself and those around you, remember to keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire and treat every gun as if it is loaded.