Republican State Representative Larry Phillips of Sherman, Chairman of Homeland Security Committee, is the author and sponsor of HB 910, the open carry bill.
April 17, 2015, the Texas House of Representatives voted 96-35 in favor of House Bill 910, which extends the rights of citizens who have a concealed handgun license to allow them to openly carry a holstered handgun. A similar bill passed the Texas Senate; the two versions were reconciled before heading to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott for signing.
State law allows residents 21 and older, as well as those on active military duty, to obtain a handgun license after undergoing a background check, taking classes and passing tests.
Texas allows people to purchase and openly carry rifles and shotguns without permits. The percentage of Texas citizens who own a gun — 35.9 percent — is below the national median of roughly 40 percent. And Texas voters’ opinions are divided on open carry, with a majority opposed. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/texas-verge-passing-open-carry-law/
Contact information for Rep. Larry Phillips:
Capitol Office: CAP 4N.5
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0297
District Address: 421 North Crockett, Sherman, TX 75090
District Phone: (903) 891-7297
There is an email button for Rep. Phillips at this url:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/member-page/email/?district=62&session=84