Texas authorizes open carry of holstered handguns statewide for adults 21 and older under Penal Code 46.02 and HB 910 (2015). Long guns may be openly carried subject to disorderly conduct limits. Municipalities cannot impose additional open carry restrictions.
HB 910 (2015) authorized open carry of handguns in shoulder or belt holsters for License to Carry holders, and HB 1927 (2021) extended permitless open carry of holstered handguns to qualifying adults 21+. Long gun open carry remains generally lawful but Penal Code 42.01 disorderly conduct prohibits displaying firearms in a manner calculated to alarm. Local Government Code 229.001 preempts municipal open carry ordinances, including bans in parks, on sidewalks, and at public events outside narrow statutory exceptions. Property owners may post Penal Code 30.07 signs to bar open carry on private premises.
Unlawful carry under Penal Code 46.02 is a Class A misdemeanor; trespass after 30.07 notice is Class C escalating to Class A; disorderly conduct displaying firearms is Class B.
See how Houston's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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