Bills in the House and Senate that would permit licensed carriers of concealed firearms to bring their guns on college and university campuses will likely come up for committee hearings soon. Not surprisingly, TCCTA has received numerous expressions of concern about the issue.
TCCTA plans to oppose such legislation, based on overwhelming opposition from a statewide sample of members, and in continuing conversations with two-year college educators.
Regardless of position or perspective, all concerned members are urged to contact their representative and senator soon. Contact information is provided below. Some college officials are advocating a "local control" alternative whereby college district trustees could decide whether to allow guns on their particular campus.
Identical or similar measures were introduced last Session, but failed to pass. This time, according to most Capitol observers, such bills have a much better chance of success in the House and Senate.
By way of background, here are some media reports published recently.
The Amarillo Globe-News.
The Texas Tribune.
The Associated Press (courtesy of the Austin American Statesman).
The New York Times.
In contacting lawmakers, be sure to identify yourself and your college and to thank lawmakers for their hard work and dedication. On such an emotional issue, it is especially vital to be constructive. By all means, please share any personal impressions and experiences that lawmakers may find useful. Educators who are on campus daily—and hence in constant contact with a wide variety of students—are likely the foremost experts regarding the various "competing scenarios" engendered by this discussion.
Under present law, licensed carriers must be age 21 or over, unless they are current or former military personnel. Here's a link on "How to Get a Permit to Carry a Concealed Weapon in Texas," which explains the essential components of the statute.
IMPORTANT: Do not use college equipment or institutional e-mail accounts in contacting legislators.
Members of the House and Senate can be contacted by using the "Who Represents Me?" link provided by the Texas Legislature. By typing in your home address and/or zip code, and then clicking on the link to each legislator, access to their e-mail addresses is obtained easily.
More helpful information, including the "Guide to Political Participation" is available on the TCCTA "Legislative Resources" page.
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