Starting January 1, 2016, Texans are now able to openly carry firearms if they are properly licensed, and according to House Bill 910 that even includes some areas of the county courthouses in Texas. The bill allows a person who is licensed to now openly carry a holstered handgun.
According to Chief Deputy Vance Hill, who addressed commissioners’ court Monday regarding this issue, state law now requires the county to allow licensed persons with firearms into the courthouse; however, some areas including the courts and offices related to the courts are prohibited. In Brown County, these prohibited areas include the commissioners’ courtroom and its offices, the county clerk’s office, probation offices, indigent defense office and the elections administrator’s office during elections.
Firearms may be carried in other areas of the courthouse, including the auditor’s and treasurer’s offices, according to Brown County Judge Ray West.
West stated that plans are underway to install signs which would inform those carrying where firearms are not allowed. Guards at the entrance of the Brown County Courthouse will soon have printed instructions to give to those who decide to carry firearms into the courthouse.Hill stated that those who choose to bring their firearms into the courthouse must show guards their licenses upon entry.
When asked if he was concerned about the new law in regards to the courthouse, Hill stated that he was indifferent.
“I am indifferent really. We will continue to maintain safety and security inside the courthouse,” said Hill. “I do not believe the open carry will effect that at all.”
For more information regarding HB 910, visit the License to Carry (LTC) portion of the DPS website, http://www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/CHL/index.htm, which has been updated in several places with information relevant to the new law, including an expanded Frequently Asked Questions section, which can be found at http://www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/CHL/faqs/index.htm.
Information about HB 910, including an overview of the legislation and a link to the text of the bill, can be found at http://www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/CHL/Legal/newlegislation.htm.
