Concealed Weapons on College Campus

As of August 1, 2016, Texas individuals who have a License to Carry can legally carry their concealed weapon on college and university campuses. However, it is important to understand that this does not apply to the new Texas law on open carry. Only concealed carry will be allowed on university or college campuses. For public junior colleges, this law will take effect August 1st of 2017.

The President or Chief Officer of each college or university has been given the authority to establish rules or other provisions regarding the carrying of concealed handguns on the campus premises. As a license holder, it is important to look up the guidelines of each university or college to protect yourself from potentially carrying in a restricted area of the campus. [To find out more information about the policies implemented by your Texas university, please refer to the attachment below.]

Although these public and private institutions are allowed to implement different guidelines for license holders, they cannot take away your right to carrying on campus. Each public university or college will simply have different rules on where you can and cannot carry on the campus.

Unlike public schools who receive funding from the State, private colleges and universities have the option to opt out so their students cannot conceal carry. Currently, every private university in Texas has approved campus carry for students except for Amberton University in Garland, Texas.

Because weapon charges are a serious offense in our country, you need to go to a criminal defense lawyer who has experience with these types of cases. The Government Code 411.2009 establishes penalties for wrongfully prohibiting concealed handgun license holders to carry a concealed handgun in a location which is not prohibited by law.

With any new law, there will be growing pains. However, both students and faculty need to make every effort to fully understand what a license to carry holder can and cannot do legally while on any college or university campus.

If you are arrested or charged with a weapons offense of any kind, please contact me to assist with your defense. I will work hard to protect your rights and your record.

Gun charges are taken seriously in our country, and these cases need to be handled by an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call my office at (817) 284-2263 so we can speak as soon as possible. As a license to carry holder myself, I fully understand the importance of being able to carry a weapon to protect yourself.

Campus Carry Link