‘No stop’ provision stalls open carry bill in Texas

A bill that would allow Texas residents to openly carry handguns is facing last minute opposition.

Law enforcement has rallied against the bill because of a certain provision. The move is stalling the bill from moving forward.

The provision is called the “no stop” provision.

It restricts police from questioning people for carrying weapons.

“Well the way I look at it it gives people an option,” said gun sales specialist, Louie Southard.

Southard sees the open carry bill as part of people’s Second Amendment right
which is the right to bear arms.

House Bill 910 if passed would allow people with a license to carry a concealed weapon carry a handgun openly.

“The main thing about it is it just expands someone’s right,” said Southard.

But it’s a provision in the bill that has made law enforcement across the state rally.

The provision is called “no stop” meaning police cannot question people carrying their weapons, ask them for their license if they have no other reason to stop them.

Police across the state are saying the provision handcuffs law enforcement and would endanger the public and police who are trained to be wary of firearms.

State Sen. Jose Rodriguez, a strong opponent of the open carry bill plans to filibuster the bill telling the Texas Tribune:
“I think my back is problematical but I assure you, for this issue, I will stand as long as I can,” said Rodriguez.

Gun enthusiasts like Southard say he doesn’t necessarily lean toward the idea of open carry but will leave the decision to elected officials

“Both sides have pros and cons and at the end of the day the representatives, it’s what they vote on. We elect them to represent us so hopefully they make the best decision for the state of Texas,” said Southard.

The bill has to be finalized by Sunday in order to be voted on before Monday’s deadline.

If not the bill will have to wait until the next legislative session to be looked at again.