Signed by Governor Greg Abbott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the concealed carry of firearms on college or university campuses, effective August 1, 2016.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a concealed carry permit holder to carry his or her concealed weapon on the campus of an institution of higher education (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a public institution of higher education from adopting any rule or regulation that would generally prohibit license holders from carrying handguns on the campus (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a private or independent institution of higher education to establish rules and regulations prohibiting the carrying of firearms on campus after consulting with students, staff, and faculty (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes an institution of higher education to establish rules and regulations regarding the storage of handguns in dormitories or residential facilities (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a license holder commits an offense if the holder intentionally displays a handgun in plain view of another individual on the premises of an institution of higher education (Sec. 3).

• Requires the president of an institution of higher education to establish rules and regulations regarding the carrying of concealed handguns on campus, including authorizing firearm free zones, after consulting with students, staff and faculty (Sec. 1).

• Requires the board of regents to review the rules and regulations no later than 90 days after they are established by the president (Sec. 1).
• Specifies that the board may amend the rules established by the president by a vote of no less than two-thirds (Sec. 1).

• Requires the institution of higher education to widely distribute the rules and regulations to students, staff, and faculty including prominently publishing the rules on their Internet website (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the concealed carry of firearms on college or university campuses, effective September 1, 2015.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a concealed carry permit holder to carry his or her concealed weapon on the campus of an institution of higher education (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a public institution of higher education from adopting any rule or regulation that would generally prohibit license holders from carrying handguns on the campus (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a private or independent institution of higher education to establish rules and regulations prohibiting the carrying of firearms on campus after consulting with students, staff, and faculty (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes an institution of higher education to establish rules and regulations regarding the storage of handguns in dormitories or residential facilities (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a license holder commits an offense if the holder intentionally displays a handgun in plain view of another individual on the premises of an institution of higher education (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text