WFAA-TV

DALLAS - A change in state law has made it legal for just about anyone to keep a handgun nearby, and that has local prosecutors concerned.

"[It] just feel safer with it in the car," said Gail Lewis, who is getting a permit to carry a concealed gun.

But thanks to a change in state law, she doesn't need a permit to carry a gun in her car.

"We're trying to explain the good side and the bad side of that," said Tom Mannewitz, a gun shop owner.

Mannewitz said the good side is that more people will be able to protect themselves from carjackers and the like.

In the past, a person without a gun license had to be traveling across county lines to drive with a concealed weapon. Now, any law-abiding citizen can drive while armed.

So, according to the Dallas District Attorney's Office, the bad side is not having an offensive attack against would-be criminals.

"Under the old law, maybe we could catch people before they broke the law with that gun," said Assistant District Attorney John Grau. "With the current law, we have to let them go."

The new law also states a gun owner can't take the gun out of the car unless they are taking it into their home or workplace, which means more guns left in cars that may become easy target for theft.

"You could be held liable for crimes committed with it," Mannewitz said.

Mannewitz said he recommends bolting the gun down inside the car when leaving it behind.