Gov. Abbott To Texas Officials: No Concealed Carry Bans In Government Buildings

Texas officials cannot prohibit concealed carry permit holders from carrying firearms into government buildings, according to Gov. Gregg Abbott.

Officials in Tom Green and Hays counties had asked for an official opinion on a new state concealed carry law, which went into effect in September. The law restricted where guns could be banned on public property.

Under the new law, guns are not allowed to be carried in hospitals, polling sites, public schools, airports and racetracks.

At issue was whether guns could continue to be banned in buildings that also contained a courthouse, or any of the other restricted areas.

Abbott said that “multi-purpose buildings” do not fall under the law’s restrictions, and citizens must be allowed to carry their guns if they have the proper permits.

• Read Abbott’s full letter here.