http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/042811-Open-Carry-Handgun-Bill-Advances-to-Texas-House?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4dba3bd1c4c1cf54%2C0AUSTIN - The House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety wants to take the concealed part out of concealed handgun licenses.
The committee voted 5-3 in favor of a bill that would remove the word concealed from the law that allows Texans to have a handgun license.
The so-called "open carry" law would allow license holders to carry their weapons in plain view wherever they would be allowed to carry a concealed handgun. The rules for getting a license would not change.
Texarkana state Rep. George Lavender authored the bill that was approved Wednesday. In a committee hearing last week, advocates said the law would deter crime.
Opponents warned it would create a dangerous and intimidating climate in densely populated cities.
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.