Open Carry - Disaster Declaration

[zacm1979]

Wow. This quickly devolved from a general question about law interpretation to a rant on open versus concealed carry.

Can someone please ask the court reporter to strike the word open from my original question and let's keep it to just "carry" (concealed or open).

Sometimes you guys literally take things too literally.

[tvc184]

I'm calling upon the great TBH brain trust.

I've been looking around the internet, and unfortunately haven't found this topic being brought up much. Even searching here on the green screen has led to not many results.

Can HB 1177 apply to our current disaster declaration for the state? I understand that the wording of the bill allows for open carry while exiting or re-entering a disaster area. The bill also states that open carry can happen pertaining to disaster shelters. My question is, legally, how can this be used to allow for me to open carry to protect myself and my family as things start getting worse. Right now lawlessness has not gone rampant, but I think that we will have some social breakdown. Not trying to incite fear panic here. I just want to make sure that I remain a law-abiding citizen as I feel the need increase to be able to protect my family if we need to be out in public. I know, I know, I should already have my LTC. For now that ship has sailed since it would not be issued before this whole ordeal probably settles down.

Any lawyers or learned individuals have a opinion on this? I think it's good information for all of us to know during this world-changing event. My thanks to you in advance.

This disaster declaration has absolutely nothing to do with carrying a weapon without a license.

[zacm1979]

I don’t think disaster and emergency are interchangeable. To avoid any unnecessary issues I wouldn’t push the issue if I was you. Carry in your vehicle and being prepared at home are the only applicable options I see right now.


Sierracharlie out…

Thank you for this answer. Unlike a lot of the posts on this thread this actually addresses my question.

[zacm1979]

I wouldnt want anybody, including bad guys, to know Im carrying. Disaster or no.

Noted. Next time we do a survey we will already have your response

[zacm1979]

Was disaster or just a state of emergency?

So that's the ambiguity that I'm trying to clear up. I'm not sure the exact wording of the declaration, or how it pertains to HB 1177.

[zacm1979]

Why would you open carry? Go ahead and put a target on your front and back side...

Thanks. This added a lot to the conversation.

[brokeno]

It all depends on how fast you can get to your weapon when you need it. Look at the white settlement shooting video the poor guy that was killed couldn't get to his weapon hidden behind his back and you know the result. I attending a church security training last weekend conducted by a group of ex military and they stressed you better be able to get your weapon draw as quickly as possible to save you and the congregations lives. I normally carry in a sneaky Pete holster but changed now I actually carried open carried in church Sunday for the first time. Another member of our security team has a bible that has a place for his gun. I hate wearing a coat or vest in the summer just to keep my pistol concealed. I just don't want to be that guy on the white settlement video trying to get his gun out and can't fast enough. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

[zacm1979]

I for one feel much safer when I see a guy walking around with his 75 dollar garage sale pistol flopping around in the uncls Mike's holster....... These guys all look the same too.

The idea isn't to make you feel safer. The idea is to make sure my family is safe. If I have to pick up a "completely free" rock off the ground to protect my daughters I'll do that. Next time I need fashion tips on how to look cool while protecting my family please make sure you weigh in.

[zacm1979]

This disaster declaration has absolutely nothing to do with carrying a weapon without a license.

Thank you for the clarification.

[Traildust]

Thank you for the clarification.

How did you protect your family prior to the corony virus? I'd just keep doing the same this as you did before.

[TxSon1836]

I would look up the law in the penal code and try and give it a read to answer your question. As far as i know it is after a natural disaster to deter looters i don't think a state of emergency applies. i have not read it myself though. good luck with finding an answer

and if you start that survey you can put me down for do whatever makes you happy.

[AntlerCollector]

Trump declared a State of Emergency not a National disaster. Two very different things. The State of Emergency just freed up money for him to help those most affected quicker.

[AntlerCollector]

Lord some of you fellas don’t care much for the constitution. And whether or not you think the fella next to you looks like a dork carrying his weapon is irrelevant......he should be allowed to do so with out getting permission from the government you all whine about all the time

Some of us can care a great deal about our Constitution, and still think open carry guys look like dorks.


If I’m ever in a place and a shooter comes in, I hope there’s one or two open carry guys in there. I will have time to draw my concealed weapon and make a good shot while the bad guy is shooting the open carry dorks first.

[savage1134]

Some of us can care a great deal about our Constitution, and still think open carry guys look like dorks.

This!

[Hills of Texas]

The idea isn't to make you feel safer. The idea is to make sure my family is safe. If I have to pick up a "completely free" rock off the ground to protect my daughters I'll do that. Next time I need fashion tips on how to look cool while protecting my family please make sure you weigh in.

Not that it matters but I answered you question. I worked narcotic for several years. I carried concealed everyday unless we were serving warrants. I assumed you were seeking clarification about carrying you weapon to protect yourself and others. I don't care if you want to wear a pistol or a slingshot in view or out. Do it smartly and safely. Also for your record keeping, I don't believe the government should restrict someone from carrying a firearm. Have a nice day. Be safe out there.