Horseshoe Bay City Council votes to allow open and concealed carry in meetings

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

In a split vote, Horseshoe Bay City Council members voted Jan. 19 for a motion against signage that would have kept handguns (pistols and revolvers) and long guns (rifles and shotguns) from being carried in council chambers either openly or concealed. Three council members, David Pope, Craig Haydon and Jerry Gray, voted for the motion. Councilman Reagan Lambert was the only nay vote, while Councilwoman Cynthia Clinesmith, Ph.D., abstained.

Since the state’s open carry law became active Jan. 1, local governments and private businesses have the option not to allow open carry on their premises by posting large, state-approved signs written in English and Spanish.

Before the vote, licensed concealed carry of handguns and open carry of long guns was allowed. After the vote, open or concealed licensed carry of handguns is allowed, and long guns still are allowed in council chambers during any open meeting in council chambers, including council meetings and workshops.

“I can’t think of a reason for someone to bring a gun in here, especially if they can just leave it in their vehicle,” Clinesmith said. “People have a right to guns in their vehicles or at home, but people are angry in here sometimes.”

For the full story, see The Highlander, Friday, Jan. 22.