That's been true until recently.
I have a friend who had his CHL but has it no more - said they changed the law so that we can carry in a vehicle in the open, hence he doesn't feel like he needs the CHL any longer.
Guess that's worth a follow up phone call to DPS.
“they changed the law so that we can carry in a vehicle in the open”
That’s not entirely correct. You are allowed to carry in your vehicle, but the handgun must be concealed. Here it is straight from the Texas Penal Code.
Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun, illegal knife, or club if the person is not:
(1) on the person’s own premises or premises under the person’s control; or
(2) inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person’s control.
(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun in a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person’s control at any time in which:
(1) the handgun is in plain view; or
(2) the person is:
(A) engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic;
(B) prohibited by law from possessing a firearm; or
(C) a member of a criminal street gang, as defined by Section 71.01.