AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Senate has approved allowing license holders to carry concealed handguns on public college campuses - but included a caveat that lets college presidents designate “gun-free zones.”
Senators voted 20-11 Saturday to approve the measure. House passage expected Sunday sends it to Gov. Greg Abbott to be signed into law.
The so-called “campus carry” bill was a priority for gun rights activists, even though top universities statewide opposed it.
Both chambers previously passed their own versions of the bill, and a weekend agreement between House and Senate negotiators set up final approval.
Opponents won the concession of gun-free zones, though college presidents won’t be able to ban handguns on entire campuses.
In order to obtain a concealed-carry license, Texans must be 21 - meaning many college students won’t qualify.
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