In Texas, any one not restricted from owning a hand gun(e.g. convicted felon) may carry a firearm in their vehicle, but it cannot be seen from outside of the vehicle(in a glove compartment or console, no paper,registration or license required.
The gun may be transported directly from a residence or to a gun range or other place where it might be appropriate (gun shop or gun smith). If you are stopped by a lawman, you do not have to revel the presence of a gun.
The individuals that have a CHL or (now) a LTC are under more restrictive requirements. We must show our license to carry and identify the location of any guns we have in the vehicle or on our person if stopped by a LEO.
Under the new law, a LTC holder may have a visible gun in the car provided it is properly holstered.
Long guns are not under these restrictions.
In other words, any gun-legal Texan has the right to the protection offered by a hand gun... Take that Chicago...
in nc.all you have to have is the gun.