By Paige Lambert
Whenever firearms and people’s rights are mentioned in debate, arguments from both sides can be as loud as a gunshot.
Days after the enactment of the controversial open carry laws, things have been quiet in Central Texas.
Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd said he hasn’t received or heard of any calls from concerned residents. Only one officer has seen someone openly carry.
“Our main thing is to try to educate the public about the law,” Kidd said.
Over the next few days, the police department will inform the public through social media and neighborhood communities
The law states people can openly carry a handgun and have to keep it holstered. According to the law, officers can ask to see a person’s license to openly carry.
Schools, courtrooms and other previously defined gun free zones will remain the same.
Many officials have said the law contains confusing language about prohibited areas. Hays County criminal District Attorney Wes Mau received a court opinion from Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The opinion states firearms are prohibited from courtrooms and offices needed for court procedures. Guns would be allowed in places like county election and tax collection offices.
Big names such as Whataburger, Whole Foods and H-E-B said they will not allow firearms in their stores.
According to the law, businesses have to post two signs, in English and Spanish, stating concealed and openly carried guns are prohibited.
Kidd said he plans to meet with business owners at the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon to clear any confusion.
According to Kidd, law enforcement and dispatchers began training on how to handle the anticipated increase in calls. The goal was to ensure those who are legally carrying aren’t detained.
“Our dispatchers are trained to ask specific questions and may educate people without needing to send an officer,” Kidd said.
Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said officers might be sent out to observe even if the call refers to open carry.
“If they observe lawful activity, the next step may be making contact with the caller or whoever appropriate and inform that citizen,” Barnett said. “It would also give the officers a chance to pick up a detail the caller could have left out.”
Barnett said he only foresees issues with language, such as types of holsters, and continued safety of carrying a gun.
Kidd said he doesn’t expect many people to openly carry or an increase in calls.
“When I’m off duty I prefer to carry concealed and not advertise that I’m carrying,” Kidd said. “I don’t think it’ll become commonplace.”
