When it comes to packing heat, the I-Team found Texas lawmakers to be at least ten times more likely to have a concealed handgun license than the average Texas adult.
"I've had my concealed carry license for several years," said Senator Kel Seliger.
Senator Seliger is one of the nearly 20% of state lawmakers who told the I-Team they have an active concealed license.
However, when asked if he carries to work, he said he prefers to keep that to himself.
"I wouldn't care to answer, said Senator Seliger. “That's the beauty of the concealed carry license. You know I can. You know I may. So the best thing is for people not to mess with other people."
One of the reasons lawmakers said they carry is it’s Texas tradition, but the main reason most lawmakers cited is safety.
In January, a Houston man, moments after visiting a senator's office, fired shots from the steps of the capitol. No one was injured, but several lawmakers said the event has them rethinking security at the capitol.
More than a dozen state lawmakers, who don't have a concealed license, like Senator Rodney Ellis, said they're now considering it.
"Much to the chagrin of some member of my staff, I'm thinking of taking a class myself," said Senator Ellis.
For every lawmaker who told the I-Team they have a concealed license, there were ones, like Senator Jeff Wentworth, who did not want to tell us,
"You'll never know,” said Senator Wentworth. “I don't give that information out. I'm disappointed that some of my colleagues are answering that question. They shouldn't answer that, in my opinion."
In 2007, Texas passed a law sealing all concealed license information from the public.
So while many lawmakers openly admit they carry, just how many and just how often, like the weapons themselves, remains concealed.
