Texas Gun Laws have very explicit dos and don’ts for carrying firearms. There are specifications about natural disasters and whether open carry is allowed with LTC (license to carry) or not. There are restrictions on felons that are very clearly mentioned in the State laws as well as firearms in religious property, schools, private and government property. However, there is nothing about what kind of guns may be owned by whom, which leaves some undefined grey areas.

Gun violence has been an area of grave concern for citizens across the state and the country, including horrendous mass shootings such as Uvalde. This has not prevented ownership or open carrying in Texas. To the contrary, there was a change in gun laws effective from September 1, 2019 that allows people to open carry firearms for a week following any natural disaster.

Texas is prone to natural disasters all the time. Floods and hurricanes hit the state continuously, necessitating evacuations in large numbers. An earlier law required people to move out of their homes leaving their firearms behind. Temporary shelters were also allowed to have their own rules about letting those in who carried firearms.

According to those in favor of open carry of firearms during a disaster, this is necessary in order to protect themselves and their families. It is during natural disasters that people are most vulnerable to looters. Carrying firearms on them for a week after a natural disaster would enable them to safeguard lives and property until things settle down into some kind of order.

Then there are those who believe that allowing people to carry their firearms around, open or not, will create more problems for law enforcement. People might resort to gun violence without enough provocation or at the slightest threat perception. They believe law enforcement is more than equipped to handle issues during a natural disaster. Also, gun violence continues to claim many lives in Texas, which could be even more volatile after a natural disaster.

The question for debate, does a permitless open carry gun law protect or endanger Texas after a natural disaster?