|
 Abbott, a Republican, said the measures secure Texans' rights to
bear arms guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment.
"Today, I am proud to expand liberty in the Lone Star State," Abbott
said in a statement.
Abbott's signing of the bills at a shooting range near Austin came
just hours after a man attacked the headquarters of the Dallas
Police Department with gunfire and explosives. The assailant was
shot and killed by police. No one else was injured in the assault.
Abbott called the attack an "isolated incident by someone who had
serious mental challenges, as well as a possible criminal
background" and "is no indication whatsoever of empowering people
with their Second Amendment right," the Texas Tribune reported.
One of the bills allows people with a license to carry a holstered
handgun openly anywhere a concealed handgun is allowed.
The bill on carrying handguns at state universities, known as
"campus carry," was a priority for gun rights activists, although
many universities statewide opposed it.
[to top of second column] |
Texans must be 21 to get a concealed-carry license, meaning many
college students will not qualify.
The "open carry" law is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2016 while the
"campus carry" will take effect Aug. 1, 2016.
(Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Alan Crosby)
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