Signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in summer 2015, Senate Bill 11 allows individuals with a concealed handgun license to carry a handgun while on Texas public community college campuses as long as the weapon is not visible.

License holders must:

  • Be 21 years old, unless they are active duty military or police officers;
  • Meet federal qualifications to own a gun, and
  • Receive training from an instructor certified by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The law allowing concealed carry on community college campuses goes into effect on August 1, 2017. It recognizes that Texas’ public community colleges are unique and need to develop campus carry policies that are appropriate for their respective campuses.

In fall 2016, COM Interim President A. Rodney Allbright appointed a task force of students, faculty members, staff members and administration to develop recommendations to implement a plan. The task force will explore specific rules, regulations and procedures related to campus carry to develop policies that include items such as identifying potential gun-free zones, creating appropriate signage, and conducting public education programs. College administration will present campus carry policy recommendations in spring 2017.

Senate Bill 11 allows the College District President to identify areas where concealed handguns are prohibited.

Considerations

  • Nature of the Student Population
  • Specific Safety Considerations - Locations where extreme psychological and/or emotional stress might temporarily impair judgment.
  • Uniqueness of the Campus Environment -Where negligent handling of a weapon would result in potential catastrophic harm.
  • What similar events and/or locations exist where a license to carry (LTC), formerly concealed handgun license (CHL), holder cannot carry under current law?

*Note: The following premises are currently prohibited by state law:

  • Polling places on the day of elections and while early voting is in progress
  • Meetings of governmental entities that are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act, if the entity chooses to post a notice under Penal Code § 30.06
  • Intercollegiate Athletic Events

Read Texas Senate Bill 11 in its entirety.