Texas Lawmakers Approve Licensed Open Carry of Handguns, Governor Says He Will Sign Bill Into Law

In a win for gun rights advocates, Texas lawmakers on Friday approved a bill that would allow for individuals to openly carry handguns.

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The bill, which allows individuals to carry a firearm using a belt or holster, now heads to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's desk where he says he will sign it.

A post-Civil War era ban has prohibited open carry in Texas for decades, according to the Associated Press.

The legislation passed the Texas house 102-42 and was sent by the Senate to Abbott on a 20-11 vote, the Dallas Morning News reported.

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