‘Constitutional carry’ awareness walk scheduled

Brownsville resident Josue Valdez will hold a walk to raise public awareness about a new law that gives Texans the right to carry handguns without a license or training starting Sept. 1.

Valdez is giving the new law a few days on the books before holding the walk on Sept. 4 from Veterans Park to Price Road. He said he and supporters will carry signs detailing the particulars of the new legislation, which supporters refer to as “constitutional carry” laws.

The new law, H.B. 1928, eliminates the requirement for Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns if they’re not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a gun.

Valdez said businesses can still prohibit people from open or concealed carry of handguns on their premises by posting officially approved signs. They also can ask people not to carry handguns on their property.

The law also requires that the Texas Department of Public Safety provide an online handgun safety course on its website.

The walk is from 4 to 6 p.m. from Veterans Park to Price Road and back.