The Texas legislature has approved a bill to remove the need to have a special permit to carry a pistol in public places, Associated Press reported.

According to it, despite active protests by gun control groups, supporters of the bill believe that such a measure will allow residents of the state to have more opportunities for self-defense.

Now, for the law to come into force, it must be signed by the governor of the state, Greg Abbott. If that happens, Texas residents with no criminal record or any special prohibitions will be able to carry a pistol with them in public. As the agency notes, similar provisions are in force in about two dozen other states.

Texas has one of the most liberal laws regarding gun ownership and handling - residents of the state can carry rifles in public places, in addition to this, the requirements and costs for necessary training in handling weapons have been reduced. More than 1.6 million people currently hold a license to carry pistols in the state.