Open Carry Passed By Texas Senate

Texas is one step closer to becoming the latest state to permit the open carry of handguns.  The Texas Senate earlier today voted 20-11 along party lines to allow residents of the Lone Star State to carry a weapon unconcealed without a permit. 

More than half of U.S. states permit people to carry firearms without a permit.  Texas was one of just six states (plus the District of Columbia) that forbids the practice.  On the other end of the spectrum, Vermont, Alaska, Arizona, and Wyoming are "constitutional carry" states that permit residents to carry both concealed and openly without a permit.