Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3806

Caption

Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with public junior colleges.

Impact

By allowing public junior colleges to create rules about handgun possession, HB3806 modifies the regulatory landscape for firearms on educational campuses. This offers institutions control over firearm regulations, hence promoting a tailored approach to security that considers the unique needs and concerns of their respective communities. However, it also introduces complexities regarding enforcement and legal liabilities, as failure to adopt such rules may leave institutions vulnerable to claims resulting from incidents involving firearms.

Summary

House Bill 3806 addresses the regulation surrounding the carrying of handguns on campuses of public junior colleges in Texas. The bill modifies existing statutes to clarify the definitions of educational institutions and provides guidelines on how these institutions can establish their own rules regarding the possession of handguns. Importantly, it asserts that public junior colleges have the authority to adopt measures prohibiting licensed gun holders from carrying firearms on campus grounds, provided they consult with stakeholders including students, staff, and faculty.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill hinges on concerns about safety and liability. Proponents argue that empowering colleges to regulate handgun carry allows them to create safer learning environments. Conversely, opponents fear that the absence of strict regulations and the potential for untrained individuals to carry firearms could lead to unsafe situations on college grounds. Additionally, the liability protections established for institutions under this bill may prompt discussions about whether these entities could become complacent in preventing firearm incidents.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2280

Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.

TX SB205

Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.

TX SB354

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by handgun license holders on the campus of a school district or open-enrollment charter school.

TX HB2960

Relating to the locations in which carrying certain weapons is prohibited and the applicability of a defense to prosecution for an offense relating to carrying a handgun in certain prohibited locations and associated notice requirements.

TX HB2279

Relating to the prosecution of certain offenses involving the carrying of weapons at certain locations.

TX SB2095

Relating to the prosecution of the offense involving the possession or carrying of certain weapons on the premises or property of certain locations.

TX HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

TX HB2278

Relating to wrongful exclusion of handgun license holders from certain property owned by or leased to a governmental entity and to certain offenses relating to the carrying of handguns on that property.

TX HB4007

Relating to the open carrying of a handgun by a uniformed school marshal.

TX HB220

Relating to the offense of unlawful transfer of handguns and other firearms and to the duties of certain entities with respect to handgun licenses that are active, suspended, or revoked; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

CA AB1780

Independent institutions of higher education: legacy and donor preference in admissions: prohibition.

TX HB1927

Relating to provisions governing 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 the firearm and to other provisions related to the carrying, possessing, transporting, or storing of a firearm or other weapon; creating criminal offenses.