Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB391

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of HB 391 are significant as it gives universities and colleges the ability to create rules regarding handgun possession, thus enabling them to tailor their security measures to their unique environments. By allowing institutions to consult with their communities, the bill aims to foster a sense of shared responsibility for campus safety while potentially improving the comfort and security of students and staff who may feel threatened by firearms on campus. However, this authority may lead to variations in handgun policies across different educational institutions, which could create confusion among license holders.

Summary

House Bill 391 concerns the carrying of handguns on the campuses of institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill amends existing laws, particularly Section 411.2031 of the Government Code, providing that institutions may establish regulations prohibiting license holders from carrying handguns on their campuses and associated locations. This grant of authority is contingent on the institutions consulting with students, staff, and faculty regarding these provisions. The bill aims to balance individual rights to carry firearms with campus safety protocols by allowing institutions to adopt their own regulatory frameworks.

Contention

Opposition to this bill centers around concerns regarding the potential for increased gun violence on campuses, with critics arguing that the presence of firearms could escalate conflicts and pose increased risks to student safety. Proponents, however, contend that responsible firearm owners should have the right to protect themselves, asserting that the legislation does not mandate gun carrying but rather permits institutions to allow it or not. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that prior legal immunities for institutions will remain unless they adopt the new regulations, sparking debate on the responsibility of higher education institutions for incidents occurring on their property.

Companion Bills

TX HB282

Duplicate Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with 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 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 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 HB2279

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

TX SB118

Relating to the designation of polling place locations on the campuses of certain institutions of higher education.

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 HB2390

Relating to prohibiting the designation of polling place locations on the campuses of institutions of higher education.

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.

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