Concealed Handgun Policy "Campus Carry"

What is the new “Campus Carry” law and when does it go into effect?

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature expands the areas on public universities and colleges where those with licenses may carry concealed handguns. For two-year colleges like TJC, the law became effective August 1, 2017.  

Could TJC have opted out of the Campus Carry law?

No. Only private colleges and universities were allowed to opt out.  Public institutions of higher education were not allowed a choice.

What does “concealed carry” mean?

Concealed carry means concealed carry.   The weapon must be carried concealed on or about the person.   Neither Senate Bill 11 nor House Bill 910 (open carry) allow for the open carry of weapons on a college or university campus.

What does concealed carry of a handgun “on or about the license holder’s person” mean?

“On or about” means on or very close to the licensed-to-carry individual.  Any way to state it would be that the concealed handgun is within easy/quick reach of the person.

Who is a valid license holder under the Campus Carry law?

A valid license holder is an individual that has been issued a “License to Carry” license for a concealed handgun by the State of Texas.

What is the difference between “Campus Carry” and “Open Carry”?

Senate Bill 11 authorized “campus carry” of a concealed handgun on college and university campuses by those previously issued a “License to Carry” permit from the State.   Open Carry authorized by House Bill 910 allows those who have been issued a “License to Carry” permit to carry a holstered handgun that is visible legally. Again, neither Campus Carry nor Open Carry legislation allows for the open carrying of handguns on college campuses. 

How many people have a CHL license in Texas

As of Dec. 31, 2014, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported 825,957 active concealed handgun license holders. The population of Texas was 26.96 million in 2014; therefore, 2.7% held a CHL.

In 2013, 0.03% of CHL holders had a criminal conviction. In 2014, 0.12% of CHL holders had their licenses revoked.

Reports and statistics for concealed handgun licenses can be found on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. http://dps.texas.gov/rsd/chl/reports/demographics.htm

What states have a reciprocity agreement with Texas so handgun license holders from other states can lawfully carry in Texas?

Forty-two states have a reciprocity agreement with Texas:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wyoming

In Texas, license holders from other states must follow Texas gun laws, not their home state's law.

Is a license holder allowed to openly and visibly carry a handgun on campus?

No. The license holder must carry the weapon concealed at all times.   

What responsibility does a license holder have to keep his/her weapon concealed?

A person with the License to Carry permit is responsible for ensuring that the handgun is always concealed while on a college campus.

Can anybody legally carry a handgun on a Texas public university when the law takes effect?

No.  When the law becomes effective for us in August 2017, only those individuals with a License to Carry permit issued by the State of Texas may legally carry. See next question regarding reciprocal agreements with other States

Can out-of-state visitors carry a handgun without an out-of-state-issued concealed license permit?

Yes and no. The State of Texas has reciprocal agreements with several other states regarding concealed carrying of weapons.  Yes, if a state issues the out-of-state permit with a reciprocal agreement with the State of Texas.  No, if the other state does not have a reciprocal agreement with the State of Texas.    

If I see someone carrying a weapon on campus, should I call the police?

Yes. Contact campus police immediately if you observe someone with a visible handgun on campus.  

Is there anywhere on campus where guns are PROHIBITED?

Yes.  While not being allowed to declare the entire campus gun-free, we do have some discretion in the establishment of specific areas where weapons are prohibited. Senate Bill 11 allows each campus to make reasonable rules where weapon possession is restricted. There will be a notice given identifying the areas where weapons are prohibited.   

Is there a place on campus where an individual can store a handgun?

No.  

Does a supervisor have the right to prohibit staff employees and/or vendors from carrying a concealed handgun in the campus work environment?

No.

Can I ask a student, faculty member, staff employee or guest on campus if he or she is carrying a concealed handgun or if he or she is a license holder?

No.  Only a member of law enforcement or a magistrate is allowed to question an individual regarding whether or not they are licensed to carry.

Are faculty and staff required to notify students and/or other guests that they carry a concealed handgun?

No

Does a faculty member have the right to exclude a student from a classroom, laboratory or private office if the student carries a concealed weapon?

No

Can a faculty member add language to a course syllabus that provides information about campus carry?

Yes.  The addition of campus carry language is highly recommended

Can a faculty member or staff member prohibit the concealed carry of a handgun in their private office?

No

Is there an accessible list with the names of individuals on campus who are license holders?

No

Are students who live in University housing and/or their guests permitted to carry a concealed handgun?

Yes.  The campus will develop rules carry committee along with input from Residential Life personnel to develop and include in our policy recommendations

Are visitors permitted to carry concealed handguns into University housing while staying in on-campus housing (dormitories/residence halls) during summer session camps and conferences?

Any policy or rules concerning Residential Operations have yet to be developed. 

If living in or visiting on-campus University housing, is handgun storage provided for a license holder?

No

Does a faculty member have a duty to carry a concealed handgun to protect the students in their classroom?

No

What should faculty and students do if an active shooter occurs in a classroom?

Contact 911 and Campus Police immediately at 903 510-2222

May I use a concealed handgun in self-defense if shots are being fired?

Yes.  Texas law allows an individual to use self-defense methods and/or the defense of a third person.

What procedures does TJC have in place to deal with someone who has a gun and is exhibiting threatening behavior?

Campus Police are licensed peace officers who have received specialized training regarding response to situations involving armed individuals. Procedures are published and provided for each classroom and office on campus. Immediately call 911 and Campus Police at 903 510-2222.  

What safety precautions has TJC taken given the new Campus Carry law?

Employees will receive specific training regarding the Campus Carry law before Fall 2017. Information will be provided to students who attend the New Student Orientation sessions and faculty will be asked to include campus carry information in their class syllabus.

Is general notice language approved for an academic department and/or unit within TJC to use on its official website and in documents and literature to give notice to the public about implementing the new Campus Carry law?

Campus Policy and Procedures are currently being drafted.  An employee task force is now developing policy suggestions that will be presented to the college administration for approval. 

Can concealed handguns be prohibited during that meeting if I have to engage in disciplinary action with a student, faculty, or staff member?

Senate Bill 11 does provide a provision that temporary exclusion zones may be enacted during the time frame when there is a formal disciplinary hearing being conducted.  This does not include the routine meeting or discussions between faculty and students that occur frequently during a semester. 

Is there a process that can be followed to designate an event as gun-free or temporarily designate a specific area as a gun-free zone?

There will be provisions to address this issue included in the campus policy.

Does TJC provide training or professional development to educate faculty, staff and students about firearm safety?

TJC has no plans at this time to provide training regarding firearms safety.

Does TJC have any training to prepare students, faculty and staff to deal with active shooter situations?

TJC provides professional development to employees and students regarding Active Shooter response.

If I have a concern about implementing the Campus Carry law, the law itself, or a suggestion to offer, who do I tell?

Suggestions and comments may be addressed individually to any member of the working group or may be communicated by sending an email to campuscarry@tjc.edu