New bill would allow guns on Texas college campuses

Currently, Texas college campuses are “gun-free” zones. Rep. Allen Fletcher has recently filed a bill that will remove that designation. If passed, HB972 will allow students and faculty who have a concealed handgun license to carry their guns to academic buildings and dormitories.

At this time, students and faculty who possess a concealed handgun license are permitted to carry guns on college campuses, but only in the parking lot and on sidewalks. Students and faculty with or without a concealed handgun license are permitted to have a gun in their car parked in a campus parking lot.

Under current law, requirements to obtaining a concealed handgun permit are:

• Applicant must be over the age of 21 (military personnel are exempt)
• Applicant must attend a gun safety course
• Applicant must pass a written exam
• Applicant must pass a shooting proficiency test
• Applicant must file the proper paperwork to the Department of Public Safety to complete a state and federal background check
• Applicant will be monitored by the Department of Public Safety for future infractions that could lead to revocation of the concealed handgun license.

In the press release issued by the Texas House of Representatives, Rep. Allen Fletcher states “Campus police cannot be in every classroom or academic building. That is why I strongly support the right of properly licensed citizens to carry on college campuses.”

The proposed Campus Personal Protection law (HB972) will allow institutions to prohibit the carrying of firearms at sporting events.

It is also noted that HB972 will not change the current law that prohibits concealed handguns in hospitals, bars and churches on campus. Private institutions may set their own rules about handguns on campus.

Rep. Allen Fletcher is a retired police officer from the Houston Police Department. He is currently the only retired peace officer in the Texas House.

Rep. Fletcher is also coauthor of HB928 that is “related to enforcement of federal laws regulating firearms, accessories, and ammunition in the State of Texas.”

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