In his very first State of the State Address newly elected Texas Governor Greg Abbot promised the people of Texas that he would “expand liberty in Texas by signing a law that makes Texas the 45th state to allow Open Carry.” Texas, known as a very pro gun rights state, is one of the few remaining states in the country that does not permit “Open Carry.” Currently, the only states in the USA that does not allow open carry are Texas, South Carolina, New York, Illinois, Florida, and the District of Columbia.
There has been much controversy surrounding Open Carry in Texas since the Governor was elected in November. Most of the controversy has come from the media attention that several Texas Open Carry groups have received. Images of these groups marching through the streets and down the isles of Wal-Mart with AR-15 rifles have garnered national attention to the cause, which some believe has actually hurt the moment to get Open Carry passed in Texas.
Most recently, Tarrant County gun rights leader Kory Watkins posted a YouTube video where he warned Texas lawmakers that failure to pass open carry law was “punishable by death.” Despite the negative press these groups have created, along with an increased effort from anti-gun groups like Mom’s Demand Action, it looks as though Texans will get their wish as Governor Abbot intends to make sure Texas becomes and “Open Carry” state.
