Texas allows permitless open carry of handguns in shoulder or belt holsters for adults 21 and older. Houston cannot restrict open carry beyond state law except on city property and posted private property.
Since 2016 Texas allowed open carry of handguns with a license, and House Bill 1927 in 2021 made open carry permitless for eligible adults 21 and older. Long guns, including rifles and shotguns, may be openly carried so long as the manner does not alarm others under Texas Penal Code Section 42.01. Handguns must be carried in a shoulder or belt holster. Houston cannot prohibit lawful open carry on public sidewalks or roadways. Private businesses may post Sec. 30.07 signs banning open carry. Open carry remains prohibited in schools, courthouses, polling locations, secured airport zones, racetracks, and bars deriving over 51 percent revenue from alcohol.
Improper open carry, carrying without a holster, or carrying in prohibited zones is a Class A misdemeanor under Penal Code Sec. 46.035, punishable by up to $4,000 fine and one year in jail.
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