Gun Rights Expanded in Texas Campuses

Effective August 1, 2016, handgun license holders are allowed to carry a concealed handgun on the campuses of public and private colleges and institutions in the state of Texas. Campuses cannot adopt any rule, regulation, or other provision prohibiting license holders from carrying handguns. As stated under enacted Bill S. 11, an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education may only “establish rules, regulations, or other provisions concerning the storage of handguns in dormitories or other residential facilities that are owned or leased and operated by the institution and located on the campus of the institution.” That is, rules regarding the storage of handguns in dormitories and other campus housing are permitted. Colleges and universities must also adopt reasonable policies regarding the carrying of a concealed handgun on campus. Once policies are established, the rules, regulations or other provisions must be provided to students, staff, and faculty, and posted on the institution’s website.

Private or independent institutions are given the option to opt out of the law after consulting with staff, students, and faculty. To designate gun-free zones on campus, colleges and universities must post the sign required by Section 30.06 of the Texas Penal Code. The notice must include: “Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun” in both English and Spanish. The notice must appear in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height, and displayed in a conspicuous place.