Oklahomans with a license to carry a concealed firearm are now able to carry their handguns out in the open.

The state’s much-debated open-carry law went into effect today after being approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin earlier this year.

It allows the estimated 141,000 Oklahomans with a license to carry a concealed firearm to also carry their weapons openly in a holster or belt. State officials say they’ve seen a 40 percent increase in license applications this year.

All of the police officers and dispatchers of the Durant Police Department have recently completed training specifically in reference to the new law. Durant Police said it is the department’s intent to respect the legal rights of all citizens, including those who carry firearms in accordance with the Oklahoma Self Defense Act.

The law only allows handguns less than 16 inches long and .45 caliber or smaller to be carried openly.

Guns still are prohibited, concealed or not, in government buildings and public meetings, bars and taverns, schools, college campuses, and professional sporting events.