So many Texans want gun licenses, DPS adding staff to handle paperwork

[CapnMac]

Were there that many illegally open carrying all over the state before?

OC was (technically still is w/o LTC) illegal unless upon one's own land, or engaged in an activity were OC was "commonplace."
Definition of "commonplace" was by the county prosecutor after a person was arrested by LE. Now, out in the sticks, "commonplace" would include driving to the feed & seed in Podunk.

But, more importantly, Texas law allowed people who were "traveling" (another term up to county prosecutor to decide) to carry concealed. In some places, particularly out west, even openly. Even the recent changes in the law allow a person to carry a handgun in their car, as long as it is concealed, and without any license.

So, people did not 'need' an LTC to go about their daily lives.

The recent enactment of the LTC has caused a flurry of places to put up either 30.06 (no concealed carry), or 30.07 (no open carry) or both, signs. That is what is likely driving people to go get the LTC in record numbers.

And, like as not, it's not so much the "can't go to the feed store" as much as, hey, I been meanin' to get a license" to kick in.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

It a good problem to have here in Texas but I really want them to get it done soon.

 

[x2501]

In ref to the number of peace officers in Texas, I don't think this number is including federal agencies (FBI, ATF, DEA etc).

 

[LeonCarr]

That number is Texas Peace Officers licensed by the Texas Commission On Law Enforcement (TCOLE). There might be 24,000 Federal Law Enforcement Officers in Texas, but I doubt it. Maybe from all federal agencies combined and even then the vast majority of those will be Border Patrol Agents.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr