AUSTIN, TX -- Texas Senators have voted to allow concealed handgun license holders to carry their weapons into public college classrooms.
Monday's vote is a major push on an issue that had stalled in the Senate and House despite overwhelming numbers of lawmakers in support in the Republican-dominated Legislature.
Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, had been unable to muster the votes he needed under Senate rules to pass the issue as its own bill. After several failed attempts, Monday's vote tacked the measure onto a universities spending bill.
Supporters call it a critical self-defense measure and gun rights issue. Opponents worry concealed handguns could lead to more campus violence and suicide.
The measure has met stiff resistance from higher education officials, notably from within the University of Texas system.
Monday's vote is a major push on an issue that had stalled in the Senate and House despite overwhelming numbers of lawmakers in support in the Republican-dominated Legislature.
Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, had been unable to muster the votes he needed under Senate rules to pass the issue as its own bill. After several failed attempts, Monday's vote tacked the measure onto a universities spending bill.
Supporters call it a critical self-defense measure and gun rights issue. Opponents worry concealed handguns could lead to more campus violence and suicide.
The measure has met stiff resistance from higher education officials, notably from within the University of Texas system.
College/university students in other states: Do you see the state Legislature in your state passing a bill like this?
Personally I've been looking into getting a concealed handgun license, but just don't have the money for it. Not sure if I would still carry it on campus...
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