Texas will become the largest state in the United States to allow citizens to openly carry handguns.

The bill of open-carry handgun is passed on Friday; this change is long sought by gun-rights activists.

The Texas House of Representatives have voted 96-35 to allow residents who are having license for the concealed handgun to openly carry their gun in public places.

Last month a similar open-carry bill is passed by Texas Senate. The two open-carry bills must be squared before it is sent to the Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who has earlier indicated support for the idea.

Texas is one of the six states including California, Florida and New York, which bars its citizens to carry handguns openly. People who want to carry handgun in public must obtain concealed-weapons permit and they must keep the weapon hidden.

Terry Holcomb Sr., executive director of Texas Carry, a gun-rights group said, “We are seeing historic progress in Texas.”

Texas is now allowing its residents to openly carry handgun in public contrary to their reputation. This has allowed gun-rights group to carry rifles into stores and restaurants and along sidewalk adjoining the Texas Capitol, to highlight what they see a senseless legal distinction.

The gun enthusiasts a powerful constituency within the Texas Republican Party, has helped in moving the legislation which was stalled for several years. They have moved the legislation through GOP-controlled Legislature.

These groups are also calling for legislation which will allow students and university employees to carry handguns.

Last month, Texas senate has approved campus-carry measure.

The Texas House is also expected to pass a companion measure, and this idea is also supported by Mr. Abbott.

Texas will become one of the eight states which allow concealed guns on college campus, and this is the largest state to do so.

Terry Holcomb Sr., executive director of Texas Carry, a gun-rights group said, “We are seeing historic progress in Texas.”