On January 1, 2016, Open Carry went into effect. Anyone with a license to carry a concealed handgun is allowed to openly carry it as well. The new law requires that openly carried guns be carried in a belt or shoulder holster. Gun owners can’t carry their weapons into the same places that were prohibited under concealed carry. This includes bars, sports events, and high schools. Other places that may ban open carry are hospitals, churches and government buildings with open meetings.

Citizens should only call 911 if they see someone violating the law. Possible violations include:

  • The gun owner removing the gun from a secured holster.
  • The gun owner seeming intoxicated.
  • The gun owner is committing a crime or acting recklessly or suspicious.
  • The gun owner brings a gun into a private business where signs state guns are prohibited, or if they refuse to leave when asked.