No Vote On Texas Open Carry Bill Tuesday
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FRISCO (CBSDFW.COM) - Some are calling it a Democratic stalling tactic, but a technicality prevented Texas's Open Carry bill from going up for a vote Tuesday.
The House Bill would allow anyone with a concealed weapons permit to carry handguns openly. An objection over how witness testimony was recorded sent the bill back to committee to correct an error, but it is expected to return to the House floor. Similar legislation has already passed the Senate.
At the Frisco Gun Club, many feel the bill's passage is inevitable, and their reaction might surprise you. David Edmondson practices firing three times a week at the Club. He says he wouldn't openly carry his own weapon because he doesn't like to advertise, but he does support the legislation.
"I very much believe in the Second Amendment. I believe the reason why we have a Second Amendment was very clear in the Constitution," Edmondson said.
Jennifer Hewett came to the club to take a gun class. She, too, considers herself a strong supporter of gun rights. "I don't think guns should be something to be afraid of in any way," Hewett said.
However, when it comes to open carry, she says that goes a little too far. She worries that anyone openly carrying a handgun would immediately become the target in an active shooter scenario. She believes concealed carry goes far enough. "I don't really see the cause in wanting to carry them on you unless you just want that bravado or something of having people know you're armed," Hewett said.
Edmondson also worries that passage of open carry could do more harm than good, even for advocates of gun rights. He thinks having guns out in the open might lead to more public panic, which could eventually lead to a call for more limits. "Open carry could cause those people to become more disturbed and potentially become more active against something that frankly I think they should support" Edmondson said.
The House bill is expected to go back to the floor for debate as early as Friday. Governor Greg Abbott has said he will sign the bill.
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