Campus Carry Implementation
The 2015 Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 11 allowing holders of a License to Carry (LTC) to conceal carry their handguns in college buildings beginning August 1, 2017.
Senate Bill 11 allows colleges to establish their own rules as to where concealed handguns can be carried on campus and how they are to be stored based on public safety concerns. Certain areas of campus, including some events, can be designated as “gun-free zones.” At no time does the law, current or Senate Bill 11, allow for open carry of firearms on college campuses.
The 2021 87th Texas Legislative passed House Bill 1927, also known as the Firearm Carry Act of 2021. This new law becomes effective on September 1, 2021 and governs the carrying of a firearm by a person who is 21 years of age or older and not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm.
While H.B. 1927 allows an individual to carry a handgun without a License to Carry (LTC) in most situations, several existing laws to include Senate Bill 11 limit the carrying of a concealed handgun on CTCD’s premises to LTC holders only. CTCD’s policy will continue to restrict concealed carry while on campus to LTC holders only.
Our priority, as always, is to keep Central Texas College District students and employees safe, while complying with state and federal laws. And, in accordance with Texas Penal Code Ch. 46, it is a felony to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly possess a firearm, location-restricted knife, club, or prohibited weapon (with or without a concealed handgun license) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, including any buildings or passenger transportation vehicles under the direct control of the educational institution. Additionally, no person, while on premises controlled or owned by the Central Texas College District, shall store or carry a weapon. A weapon is defined as a manufactured device designed to injure or kill another being, or a device designed to look like a weapon. Anyone who possesses an item or material in violation of this policy or state or federal laws, will be subject to the criminal penalties under those laws and/or discipline under the Central Texas College policies and procedures as warranted.
2017 Campus Carry Implementation Overview
