Local law enforcement isn’t expecting much of a fuss, as Texas becomes the 45^th state to legalize the open carry of handguns.

House Bill 910, which went into effect Jan.1, allows individuals with a concealed handgun license to openly carry handguns in either a shoulder holster or belt holster.

Police chiefs in the mid and south county area all expect some calls from concerned citizens as they acclimate to seeing CHL owners carrying openly. But law enforcement does not anticipate problems.

“We expect we’ll get some calls,” Port Arthur Police Chief Mark Blanton said. “People need to understand if someone is acting suspicious they should still call. Better safe then sorry but open carry is now law of the land.”

Blanton spoke with chiefs of police in other states where open carry is law and learned that after about a month most of those openly carrying go back to concealed carry.

According to the Associated Press, Texas has almost 826,000 concealed license holders in 2014, which ranks among the most of any state in the nation. Openly carrying a gun will require obtaining the same license concealed weapons holders have — be at least 21, have clean criminal and psychological records, complete a training course and pass a shooting test.

Concealed handguns are even allowed inside the Texas Capitol, where license holders can bypass metal detectors.

Nederland Assistant Police Chief Gary Porter expects to get some calls but also believes some people may not be aware of the issue at all.

“I don’t look to have a big problem with this,” Porter said.

Back when concealed carry became law some expected problems. Porter has not had one issue with a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun, he said.

“You must have a permit to carry a handgun. If you don’t, and you carry on your person or walking around, you still may be prosecuted for unlawful carrying of a weapon,” he said. “My best advise to anybody who intends to carry, brush up on the law and make sure you understand. If not, give us a call and we’ll answer your questions.”

Porter also advises those openly carrying to be vigilant of signage where open carry may be prohibited. The city of Nederland and Port Neches recently adopted resolutions prohibiting the open carry of handguns into meetings governed by the Open Meetings Act.

Port Neches Police Chief Paul Lemoine advises citizens not to overreact or panic.

“Nothing’s really changed other than concealed handgun license holders can now openly carry,” Lemoine said. “Call in only if you see someone acting suspiciously or threateningly. If there’s any doubt at all, call the police department.”

Signage for both Nederland and Port Neches are on order. Until then, Port Neches will have written notices posted as well as posting the issue on city agendas.

“I don’t think we’ll have that big an issue with it,” he added. “Most of the concealed handgun license holders I’ve contacted do so for a reason and most don’t want to attract undue attention.”

Groves City Marshal Norma Reynolds Jr. agrees with the other chiefs of police in that she expects police will get some calls but that the public shouldn’t panic.

“I’m sure we’ll get some calls from concerned citizens and every situation is different in how we’ll handle it. I don’t expect a lot of problems,” Reynolds said.

“We’re the 45^th state to allow open carry and it hasn’t been a big deal, at least from what I’ve heard all these years. I don’t think it’ll be as big of a problem (here) as people think. I believe most who have a concealed handgun license will continue to carry concealed.”

Open Carry and Texas Carry groups, who work for securing more gun rights for Texans, will celebrate the passage of HB 910 with an “Official Uncovering of the Handgun Rally” at the state Capitol at noon on New Year’s Day.

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