Concealed Handgun Policy “Campus Carry”
Since 1995, a Concealed Handgun License holder has been able to carry a concealed handgun on a university campus in a public or private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage or other parking area.
Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature permits a Concealed Handgun License holder to carry a concealed handgun anywhere on campus, including in buildings, except where already prohibited by state or federal law or the new university rules associated with changes in the law.
This law was enacted for universities and four-year colleges on August 1, 2016. For TJC and other community colleges, the law took effect on August 1, 2017.
House Bill 910 (Open Carry) does not permit open carry on a university campus.
Please attend the Campus Carry forums on your campus when they are announced and call Campus Police (903 510-2258) with questions about the new laws.
HB 910 – Open Carry
SB 11 – Campus Carry
Who can get a CHL license?
- At least 21 years of age unless active military;
- Have been a legal resident of the state for a six-month period preceding the application;
- Have not been convicted of a felony;
- Are not currently charged with the commission of a Class A or B misdemeanor;
- Are not chemically dependent;
- Are capable of exercising sound judgment;
- Are not currently restricted under a court protective order or subject to a restraining order affecting a spousal relationship;
- Are qualified under federal and state law to purchase a handgun;
- Are current on child support payments or other monies collected by a state agency; and
- Take and pass a course with written and shooting proficiency tests.
Full eligibility requirements are explained in Texas Government Code § 411.172.
Other states with similar laws:
Colorado (2003)
Idaho (2014)
Kansas (2013)
Mississippi (2011)
Oregon (2011)
Utah (2004)
Wisconsin (2011)
Frequently Asked Questions
Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature expands the areas on public universities and colleges where those with licenses may carry concealed handguns. For two-year colleges like TJC, the law became effective August 1, 2017.
No. Only private colleges and universities were allowed to opt out. Public institutions of higher education were not allowed a choice.
Concealed carry means concealed carry. The weapon must be carried concealed on or about the person. Neither Senate Bill 11 nor House Bill 910 (open carry) allow for the open carry of weapons on a college or university campus.
“On or about” means on or very close to the licensed-to-carry individual. Any way to state it would be that the concealed handgun is within easy/quick reach of the person.
A valid license holder is an individual that has been issued a “License to Carry” license for a concealed handgun by the State of Texas.
Senate Bill 11 authorized “campus carry” of a concealed handgun on college and university campuses by those previously issued a “License to Carry” permit from the State. Open Carry authorized by House Bill 910 allows those who have been issued a “License to Carry” permit to carry a holstered handgun that is visible legally. Again, neither Campus Carry nor Open Carry legislation allows for the open carrying of handguns on college campuses.
As of Dec. 31, 2014, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported 825,957 active concealed handgun license holders. The population of Texas was 26.96 million in 2014; therefore, 2.7% held a CHL.
In 2013, 0.03% of CHL holders had a criminal conviction. In 2014, 0.12% of CHL holders had their licenses revoked.
Reports and statistics for concealed handgun licenses can be found on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. http://dps.texas.gov/rsd/chl/reports/demographics.htm
Forty-two states have a reciprocity agreement with Texas:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
In Texas, license holders from other states must follow Texas gun laws, not their home state’s law.
No. The license holder must carry the weapon concealed at all times.
A person with the License to Carry permit is responsible for ensuring that the handgun is always concealed while on a college campus.
No. When the law becomes effective for us in August 2017, only those individuals with a License to Carry permit issued by the State of Texas may legally carry. See next question regarding reciprocal agreements with other States
Yes and no. The State of Texas has reciprocal agreements with several other states regarding concealed carrying of weapons. Yes, if a state issues the out-of-state permit with a reciprocal agreement with the State of Texas. No, if the other state does not have a reciprocal agreement with the State of Texas.
Yes. Contact campus police immediately if you observe someone with a visible handgun on campus.
Yes. While not being allowed to declare the entire campus gun-free, we do have some discretion in the establishment of specific areas where weapons are prohibited. Senate Bill 11 allows each campus to make reasonable rules where weapon possession is restricted. There will be a notice given identifying the areas where weapons are prohibited.
No.
No.
No. Only a member of law enforcement or a magistrate is allowed to question an individual regarding whether or not they are licensed to carry.
No
Yes. The addition of campus carry language is highly recommended
No
No
Yes. The campus will develop rules carry committee along with input from Residential Life personnel to develop and include in our policy recommendations
Any policy or rules concerning Residential Operations have yet to be developed.
No
No
Contact 911 and Campus Police immediately at 903 510-2222
Yes. Texas law allows an individual to use self-defense methods and/or the defense of a third person.
Campus Police are licensed peace officers who have received specialized training regarding response to situations involving armed individuals. Procedures are published and provided for each classroom and office on campus. Immediately call 911 and Campus Police at 903 510-2222.
Employees will receive specific training regarding the Campus Carry law before Fall 2017. Information will be provided to students who attend the New Student Orientation sessions and faculty will be asked to include campus carry information in their class syllabus.
Campus Policy and Procedures are currently being drafted. An employee task force is now developing policy suggestions that will be presented to the college administration for approval.
Senate Bill 11 does provide a provision that temporary exclusion zones may be enacted during the time frame when there is a formal disciplinary hearing being conducted. This does not include the routine meeting or discussions between faculty and students that occur frequently during a semester.
There will be provisions to address this issue included in the campus policy.
TJC has no plans at this time to provide training regarding firearms safety.
TJC provides professional development to employees and students regarding Active Shooter response.
Suggestions and comments may be addressed individually to any member of the working group or may be communicated by sending an email to campuscarry@tjc.edu