TexasCHLforum.com

Austin residents are invited to a special town hall meeting Jan. 30 to learn more about the new state open carry gun law that went into effect Jan. 1.

District 1 Council Member Ora Houston helped organize the public forum, which will be hosted at 11:30 a.m. by Rev. B.W. McClendon and St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 3417 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The forum was organized in response to concerns that “people are not fully understanding what the rules are and what their rights are,” according to a spokesperson from Houston’s council office.

The rights of small business owners, church congregations and Austin residents will be addressed during the town hall meeting, according to Houston’s office. Private businesses may post signs prohibiting open and concealed handgun carry, or they can provide direct verbal notice to customers.

An Austin Police Department representative will be among those answering questions from town hall attendees, according to a Houston spokesperson. There will also be a general overview of the new law, HB 910, which allows handguns to be openly holstered by licensed holders—the same state license that previously only allowed concealed carry.

city policy still prohibits guns inside Austin City Hall.

District 1 Council Member Ora Houston helped organize the public forum, which will be hosted at 11:30 a.m. by Rev. B.W. McClendon and St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 3417 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.