Texans can pack heat in public as of Jan. 1; Gov. Abbott ready to sign open carry bill

Texans with proper licenses will be able to openly carry handguns in holsters starting on Jan. 1 after the legislation was approved Friday, sending the bill to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature. Lawmakers in both the House and Senate, voting along party lines, easily passed their versions of the bill, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. There was plenty of last-minute drama as the bill moved toward passage with some lawmakers saying they were threatened by pro-gun supporters. A measure in…