What Does Constitutional Carry Actually Mean in Texas?
Since 2021, most law-abiding Texans 21 and older can carry a handgun without a license. Here’s what the law actually says.
Texas HB 1927 took effect September 1, 2021. It’s commonly called “constitutional carry” or “permitless carry.” The bill amended Texas Penal Code Chapter 46 to let most Texans carry a handgun openly or concealed without a License to Carry.
Who qualifies
- At least 21 years old (some 18 to 20-year-olds may now qualify following federal court decisions, more on that in another post).
- Not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Not intoxicated.
- Not engaged in criminal activity.
What it does not change
Constitutional carry does NOT eliminate location restrictions. Schools, courts, secured airport areas, polling places, racetracks, bars posted 51%, and other locations remain off-limits or restricted, LTC or not. It also doesn’t override private property rights: a business can still post a sign banning firearms, and you must comply.
Rifles and shotguns
Long guns weren’t heavily regulated for carry in Texas before this law. Constitutional carry primarily affected handgun carry rules.
What “carry” means here
A handgun carried under permitless carry must be in a holster. It can be open or concealed. The old requirement that a handgun be “concealed” or displayed in a shoulder or belt holster was removed, but the holster requirement remains.
Just because the law lets you carry doesn’t mean you should carry without training. We cover that in the LTC benefits post.
Stay safe. Semper Fi.
Gunny
Straight talk: This is education, not legal advice. Gun law changes. Consult a Texas attorney for your specific situation, and always confirm current rules with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the ATF.
