Texas Gov. Abbott Hails "Biggest Best" Gun Law As He Signs ''Constitutional Carry'' Into Effect Texas Gov. Abbott Hails "Biggest Best" Gun Law As He Signs ''Constitutional Carry'' Into Effect Starting September 1st, Texans will be able to carry handguns in public without a license after on Wednesday the controversial bill dubbed "constitutional carry" was singed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. He later presided over a ceremonial signing on Thursday morning where the governor hailed it as the "biggest and best" gun law this session. Standing alongside National Rifle Association leader Wayne LaPierre in San Antonio, where he signed the bill, Abbott said , "Surely theres no state in America thats ever done as much protecting gun rights." Image source: AP As the law stands prior to the new change, Texans must pass a background check and undergo a safety course, which includes over 1.6 million licensed conceal-carry individuals in the state. The bill still keeps the formal licensing "option" in place. But after the new law takes effect anyone 21-years old and up can carry a holstered handgun, whether openly or concealed, without a permit.