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The State’s Campus Carry Law Now Applies To Community Colleges In Texas

Todd Wiseman
/
Texas Tribune illustration

Five stories that have North Texas talking: Campus carry takes effect at community colleges today; what Sam Shepard’s work meant to the Undermain; Richard Linklater talks future films; and more.

Effective today, the state’s “campus carry” law includes community colleges in Texas.

 

People with a handgun license will be allowed to carry a concealed firearm on campus. But, there will be some restrictions such as in performance halls or child-care centers, the Associated Press reports.

 

Tarrant County College has put up signs designating some areas as gun-free zones, according to theFort Worth Star-Telegram reports. TCC spokesman Reginald Gates says rifles remain among the weapons banned on campus, and added that open carry of a handgun also isn't allowed.

 

The Texas Legislature in 2015 adopted a law that already allows concealed handguns at public colleges statewide. It went into effect Aug. 1, 2016. Community colleges were given an extra year to prepare; it’s the last part of the law to take effect.

 

Private colleges were allowed to opt out under the law and nearly all did — except for Amberton University, a small, nonprofit school based in Garland, according to the Texas Tribune.

 

As the Star-Telegram reports: “The only people legally allowed to carry concealed handguns on campus are those who have a License To Carry, which means they are at least 21, have a clear criminal record and no record of mental illness. They also have met requirements that include training and proficiency tests.” [Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Texas Tribune, The Associated Press]

The High Five is KERA’s daily roundup of stories from Dallas-Fort Worth and across the state.Explore our archives here. And sign up forour weekly emailfor the North Texas news you need to know.