See answers to common questions about Texas’ Campus Carry law.
What is campus carry?
Senate Bill 11 (SB 11), signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on June 1, 2015, is often referred to as “Campus Carry.” The law allows individuals with a License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) to carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder’s person on public college campuses as long as the weapon is not visible.
When did the law take effect?
The law took effect August 1, 2017, for Texas community colleges, one year after four-year universities implemented campus carry.
Why does ACC need a campus carry policy?
Texas law requires college presidents to develop rules for the concealed carry of a handgun on the campuses of their institutions. In creating a policy and procedures, the president may consult with students, faculty, and staff, and consider the nature of the student populations, specific safety concerns, and the uniqueness of the campus environment.
The purpose of the campus carry policy is to provide guidance on how the law is implemented at ACC while maintaining the safety of our campus community.
Can ACC opt out?
No. The law mandates all public colleges and universities in Texas implement the new campus carry law. Only private colleges and universities may opt out.
What does concealed carry mean?
A license holder must ensure the gun is not visible. It must be concealed on or about the license holder’s person.
What does “on or about the license holder’s person” mean?
The license holder must carry the concealed handgun in a manner such that it must be close enough to the license holder that he or she can grasp it without materially changing position.
Can anyone carry a handgun on a Texas public college campus?
No. Only individuals with a License to Carry (LTC) may carry a concealed handgun on a college campus? Read more about handgun licensing in Texas.
What is the difference between “open carry” and “campus carry?”
The phrase “Open Carry” refers to a law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2015 (see Texas House Bill 910) that allows a license holder to openly carry a handgun in various locations in the State of Texas starting January 1, 2016.
However, the “Open Carry” law specifically PROHIBITS open carry of a handgun on the premises of a college campus, including public and private driveways, streets, sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, parking garages, or other parking areas located on a college campus.
Under the “Open Carry” law, a license holder can visibly carry their handgun in a holstered manner. However, under the “Campus Carry” law, only the “concealed carry” of a handgun by license holders is allowed on campuses of public institutions of higher education, subject to restrictions imposed by statute and by the institution president. See Texainstitutions of higher educations Senate Bill 11 (SB 11).
What responsibility does a license holder have to keep his/her weapon absolutely concealed?
A person with a valid License to Carry (LTC) is required by law to take reasonable measures to conceal the handgun. For example, if a person’s coat opens in the act of raising his/her arm to ask a question and a gun can be seen, such an accidental act may not be considered a violation.
However, if a person takes a gun out of concealment or otherwise displays/brandishes their weapon, it is a violation.
What if I see a handgun?
If a handgun is visible, immediately call ACC police at 512-223-1231 and allow the college’s police department to determine if a violation has occurred. The police will respond and investigate. Remember, it is a violation to knowingly or intentionally display a weapon on campus. It is another, more serious offense to do so in a threatening or intimidating manner. In case of emergency call 911.
What percentage of the Campus Carry Implementation Task Force is licensed to conceal carry?
We have not polled the task force, but there are members who have volunteered to the rest of the group that they are license to carry (LTC) holders.
Can faculty or staff ask students if they hold a concealed carry license (or license to carry)?
No, faculty and staff should not ask students if they have a license to carry (LTC) or if they are carrying. According to legal counsel, the only person who can legally ask a person if they have an LTC is a police officer.
