Harris County, TX Firearms: Concealed Carry (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitless carry law
- HB 1927, age 21+
- Optional permit
- TX LTC, Govt Code 411
- Sensitive places
- Penal Code 46.03 list
- County rules
- None permitted
Summary
House Bill 1927 (2021) lets most Texans 21 and older carry a handgun concealed without a permit anywhere in Harris County. The optional License to Carry through Texas DPS still provides reciprocity, sensitive-place benefits, and federal background-check shortcuts when buying firearms.
Sec. 46.035. UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF HANDGUN BY LICENSE HOLDER. (a) A license holder commits an offense if the license holder carries a handgun on or about the license holder's person under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and intentionally displays the handgun in plain view of another person in a public place. It is an exception to the application of this subsection that the handgun was partially or wholly visible but was:(1) carried in a holster by the license holder; or(2) in a holster, and the handgun and the license holder were in a motor vehicle. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 229, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 10.04, eff. Sept.
Full Breakdown
HB 1927, codified in Texas Penal Code chapter 46 and Government Code chapter 411, established constitutional carry across Texas including Harris County. Adults 21 or older not federally barred from possessing firearms may carry a handgun concealed or openly without a permit in Houston, Pasadena, unincorporated areas, and county-owned public spaces, subject to state sensitive-place rules. Schools, courts, polling places, secure airport zones, hospitals, jails, and 51-percent alcohol establishments remain off-limits under Penal Code 46.03 and 46.035. The Harris County Sheriff and constables enforce state carry rules. Texans can still apply for a License to Carry through Texas DPS; HCSO provides fingerprinting. The county cannot add concealed-carry restrictions.
Violations & Fines
Carrying in a sensitive place under Penal Code 46.03 or 46.035 is generally a Class A misdemeanor or third-degree felony, with fines up to ten thousand dollars and possible prison time, plus License to Carry revocation by Texas DPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Texas License to Carry in Harris County?
Are Harris County courthouses or jails off-limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas firearms overview
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