The Texas Legislature has approved allowing license holders to carry concealed handguns on public college campuses — but included a caveat that lets college presidents designate “gun-free zones.”
The House voted 98-47 on Sunday to approve the measure, sending ti to Gov. Greg Abbott to be signed into law.
The so-called “campus carry” bill was a priority for gun rights activists, even though top universities statewide opposed it.
Both chambers previously passed their own versions of the bill, and a weekend agreement between House and Senate negotiators set up final approval.
Opponents won the concession of gun-free zones, though college presidents won’t be able to ban handguns on entire campuses.
In order to obtain a concealed-carry license, though, Texans must be 21 — meaning many college students won’t qualify.
Saturday, State Representative Chris Turner released the following statement in response to the final passage of the “campus carry” bill:
“Campus carry is a solution in search of a problem and one that students, faculty, university leadership, and people across our state overwhelmingly oppose.
With so many priorities left unaddressed, it’s a shame that the Legislature has spent so much time and energy on an unneeded law that will cost millions of dollars and result in unintended consequences for years to come.”
Last week, Turner released a letter from University of Texas System Chancellor, William McRaven, outlining his concerns with proposed “campus carry” legislation.
Regarding the impact passage of a campus carry law will have on recruiting and retaining faculty, McRaven expressed concern that it could possibly make the university less competitive.