Austin, Texas – Wednesday is a big day in Texas as the state's controversial permitless carry bill officially takes effect.

As of September 1, Texas has become the newest in a group of 20 states in allowing residents aged 21 and older without prior criminal backgrounds to carry a handgun without a permit.

The state's Republican governor, Greg Abbott, signed the "constitutional carry" law, as supporters call it, in June.

Previously, Texans were only allowed to carry firearms with a license, which requires filling out an application, giving fingerprints, attending an educational class, and going through a background check.

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Under the new rules, getting a license is optional, but business and property owners will still be allowed to restrict permitless carry by posting signs.

While the bill was still in the legislature, a University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll found that almost 60% of Texans surveyed opposed the measure.

But there is one group of people clearly set to profit from the new law. The Houston Chronicle reported that gun sales are expected to see another boost after they already rose during the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2020 alone, gun sales in the Lone Star State rose to 21 million from 13.2 million in 2019. Of that number, 8 million were new buyers. At the same time, federal data show that background checks are down 8% in the state.

Though gun salespeople were already allowed to sell to customers without permits before the law, one Houston retailer said, "I do anticipate it’s going to have a positive impact for the number of shooters because we’re removing that barrier to entry."