Under House Bill 1927, Texans aged 21 and over will be authorized to carry a pistol in public throughout the state beginning September 1.

Felons and anyone under the age of 21 are exempt, and buyers must still pass a background check at a gun dealer.

“As far as gun sales, nothing’s going to change with this law. So anyone that walks into the gun store, if they do not have a license to carry a handgun, we have to call the FBI and do a background check on them,” a gun shop owner,  Michael Cargill, said.

Critics of the new gun law claimed that lawmakers are moving in the wrong direction. Moms Demand Action Texas, a grassroots movement for gun safety, accused Republican lawmakers of making empty promises of protecting the public from gun violence.

The group said the new bill could lead to more guns falling into the wrong hands. Members of the group claimed that with the permitless carry law in effect and the fact that private gun sales exist, gun violence in the state could likely increase.

While the new law does allow people to freely carry their firearms without permits, it still does have some restrictions in place. The bill also outlined heavy penalties for those who are carrying firearms when they shouldn’t be.

Under the new law, people prohibited from carrying firearms, including those with criminal records, will be facing a felony charge if caught. Before the bill, prohibited individuals that were caught with firearms were only charged with a misdemeanor, which carries lighter penalties.

Texans with firearms are prohibited from entering certain places protected by federal law without a permit. This includes buildings and facilities such as schools and airports.