One of the major issues in the news are the many bills being pushed through the Colorado House of Representatives regarding gun ownership and future gun legislation. One of those bills is in regards to a person’s ability to not be allowed to carry a concealed weapon on a college campus or university within the state of Colorado. While this bill was recently not passed through the Colorado House, this has become a major topic across the nation. Texas lawmakers are attempting to pass House Bill 972 that would allow concealed handgun licensees to carry into buildings of publicly owned colleges and universities.
Currently, Texas state law allows persons to keep a firearm within their vehicle (under the 2009 Motorist Protection Act). However, even with a CHL, persons are not currently allowed to carry within buildings on campuses and universities. Firearms must remain within the person’s vehicle. At many campuses, violence is on the rise, ranging from sexual assault to school shootings. While some would argue that creating campuses into gun free zones would be more effective in stopping violence, others would argue that it makes schools into more of a target.
With House Bill 972, Texas lawmakers are attempting to provide further protection for the students, administrators, professors, and other persons on the school campuses. People are able to take safety more within their own hands, taking a proactive stance on school violence instead of a reactive response. Though not every situation can be accounted or prepare for, allowing this bill to pass would add an additional layer of security within the higher education school systems.
If you are interested in being involved with this legislation, contact your state representative. Public hearing of this legislation will take place on March 14, 2013.
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