Concealed Handgun Carry on Campus (HB 1893)

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:49:00 -0600

^{Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, is}

^{amended by adding Section 411.2031:}

^[…]

^{(b) A license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or}

^{about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the}

^{campus of an institution of higher education or private or}

^{independent institution of higher education in this state.}

Read full text here.

Texas HB 1893 would allow Concealed Handgun Licensees to carry concealed handguns on the campuses of Texas institutions of higher education. This includes public and private universities. The bill also states an institution of higher education cannot prohibit CHL’s from carrying on campus, although they can regulate handgun storage in dorms. The language of its Senate companion bill (SB 1164) is identical. If passed, HB 1893 becomes effective September 1^st, 2009.

The bill has bipartisan support and passed the House Committee on Public Safety last Wednesday. It will be debated next in the House (date pending), although it will go through several additional stages before becoming law.

Is this bill good for the university? For example, how would it impact enrollment rates, crime or violence, the number of students having or obtaining a CHL, etc? Should UTPA (and other institutions of higher education) be compelled to allow the carrying of a concealed handgun on campus? Should private universities also have to comply?

And don't forget to let your representatives know what you think!

^{Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, is}
	^{amended by adding Section 411.2031:} ^[…]
^{(b) A license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or}
^{about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the}
^{campus of an institution of higher education or private or}
^{independent institution of higher education in this state.}

Civic Engagement Blog - house bill, concealed handguns

Concealed Handgun Carry on Campus (HB 1893)