This week the House by an overwhelming vote passed the Open Carry with Training bill. It will allow anyone with a state issued concealed weapons permit to openly carry a handgun in public. It contains some restrictions such as in government buildings, and where businesses choose not to allow the practice.
The Open Carry bill was a priority of the Republican led House.
Passage of the bill came despite opposition from some of the state’s top law enforcement leaders, gun safety groups and a large group of ministers. Many African- American house members passionately argued against it saying they fear it will promote gun violence at a time when there are heightened racial tensions across the county.
Wednesday’s marathon session saw debate on the bill focus on race relations leading a number of African-American members to claim that in a climate of what they called institutional racism and a rising number of hate crimes open carry would prove especially dangerous for minorities