Campus Carry

Concealed Campus Carry at ACC

ACC's Campus Carry Policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as Campus Carry law), while maintaining ACC's commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

As a public community college, ACC is required by law to implement the campus carry legislation, Texas Senate Bill 11 (SB 11), allowing Licensed to Carry (LTC) holders to carry a concealed handgun on public college campuses. Per the law, the college's policy takes effect August 1, 2017.

Implementation Process

ACC has taken a steady, thoughtful approach to implementing the law.  In 2016, ACC President/CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes appointed a Campus Carry Implementation Task Force comprised of collegewide representation.

The task force worked with faculty, staff, students, and legal experts to develop a policy and procedures that work best for our learning and working environment.  Additionally, ACC continues to monitor the policies adopted by four-year universities, work with community college partners, and review Attorney General opinions on the matter.

Facts

  • All public Texas colleges and universities must abide by the law.
  • Private institutions may opt out of implementing the law.
  • The concealed campus carry law does not allow open carry on campus. 
  • A person must have a License to Carry a Handgun (LTC).
  • A person must be at least 21 to obtain a LTC, unless he/she is active duty military or a police officer.
  • Faculty and staff do not have authority to ban handguns from classrooms.
  • Campus carry laws exist in eight states (Texas, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Mississippi, Kansas, Oregon, and Wisconsin).
  • Licensed gun owners have been allowed to carry concealed handguns on public campuses (but not in buildings) for 20 years.
  • While Texas is currently in a legislative session, there are no indications lawmakers will change the law.