AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Legislature has approved allowing residents with licenses to carry concealed handguns on public college campuses - but included a caveat that lets college presidents designate “gun-free zones.”
The House voted 98-47 on Sunday to approve the measure, sending 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, so many college students won’t qualify.
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