Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1164

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
5/14/09  
Voted on by Senate
5/20/09  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of institutions of higher education.

Impact

The introduction of SB1164 is likely to have substantial implications for state laws governing firearm carry rights. By restricting the ability of colleges and universities to prohibit concealed carry, the bill creates a more permissive environment for handgun owners on campuses. Critics argue that the presence of concealed firearms in educational environments could escalate tensions and lead to enhanced risks of violent incidents, whereas supporters assert it enables individuals to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.

Summary

SB1164 is an act aiming to amend existing statutes concerning the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill allows license holders to carry concealed handguns on college campuses, stipulating that public and private institutions cannot prohibit this practice. This legislative change is positioned as a measure to enhance personal security for students and faculty members in higher educational settings.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1164 revolve around concerns for campus safety versus individual rights. Opponents of the bill express fear that allowing concealed carry on campuses undermines the educational environment and can lead to accidents or misuse of firearms. On the other hand, proponents contend that individuals have the right to defend themselves, and that responsible, licensed gun owners should be permitted to carry handguns wherever they go, including educational institutions. This debate highlights the broader national dialogue on gun control and rights in the United States.

Companion Bills

TX HB1893

Identical Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of institutions of higher education.

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 HB4058

Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.

TX SB2094

Relating to prohibiting the carrying, possession, or storage of a semiautomatic rifle on the campus of a public or private institution of higher education; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4554

Relating to the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

TX HB4007

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

TX HB2279

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

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 SB2095

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

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.

CA AB710

Postsecondary education: cost of attendance: fiscal matters.

TX HB937

Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

IL SB0061

HIGHER ED-PREFERENCE ADMISSION

TX SB11

Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education; providing a criminal penalty.

TX HB972

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

TX SB182

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