Texas House to debate, likely pass ‘open carry’ of handguns

A bill overturning Texas’ post-Civil War ban on the open carry of handguns is poised to clear the Legislature, making the state America’s largest to legalize wearing weapons in plain sight.

The Texas House plans to debate and approve the change Tuesday. A similar measure already passed the state Senate, clearing the way for the governor to sign it into law.

Texas’ love affair with guns is such that those with concealed handgun licenses can bypass metal detectors at the state Capitol. Security assumes they’re armed.

Still, Texas is just one of six states that don’t already allow license holders to wear guns holstered or otherwise visible.

With 82 mostly Republican House co-sponsors, the vote won’t be a surprise. But it still marks a major victory for gun rights advocates.