Carrying concealed guns may soon be allowed in classrooms, dorms and buildings of public colleges and universities in Texas, after the state's Senate approved a bill authorizing licensed owners to do so.
The Republican-controlled Texas Senate passed on Saturday Senate Bill 11 or the so-called "campus carry" measure via a 20-11 final vote.
The bill was passed despite opposition from Democrat lawmakers and even from universities across the state.
After long debates, senators agreed to introduce a provision in the bill which authorizes university presidents to set limited "gun-free zones" in campus.
These "gun-free zones" will be established upon consultation with students, faculty members and the school staff about "specific safety considerations and the uniqueness of the campus environment."
The school's board of regents will then review the "gun-free zone" proposal by the university president within 90 days. A two-thirds vote from the board is required to revise the president's gun rules.
School officials will then have to submit a report to the legislature justifying the gun-free zone. House and Senate oversight committees will specifically monitor the implementation of Senate Bill 11.
Texas' House of Representatives is also poised to approve the "campus carry" bill in the coming days. The measure will then be sent to Republican Governor Greg Abbott for signing into law.
After the Senate passed the "campus carry" bill, Democrat Senator Rodney Ellis from Houston released a statement saying that the passage of the proposed legislation reflected his colleagues' "misplaced priorities."
In Texas, residents must be at least 21 years old to be able to secure a concealed-carry license. This means that most college students in Texas universities will not be qualified to carry guns on campus.
The "campus carry" bill, once signed into law, will take effect in fall next year.
