The Texas Senate narrowly approved House Bill 1177 on Sunday before the legislative session ends on Monday.
[Ads /]
The final vote was 16 to 15.
[Ads /]
According to the Dallas Morning News, if House Bill 1177 becomes law, any Texan who legally owns a firearm could carry their handgun, open or concealed, for a week after a state or natural disaster is declared.
Critics of the bill worry the bill would present difficulties for police working after a hurricane or other disaster.
RELATED: Controversial 'Save Chick-fil-A' bill passes Texas House
Controversial 'Save Chick-Fil-A' bill passes in Texas House
RELATED: Texas Senate passes bill to arm more school teachers
What you need to know about Texas gun laws
RELATED: Texas lawmakers vote to raise legal smoking age from 18 to 21
State lawmakers considering raising smoking age to 21
RELATED: Texas lawmaker files bill to end Daylight Saving Time in the state
Fast facts about daylight saving time