The bill would amend the Government Code and Penal Code to allow an individual with a valid concealed handgun license issued in the state of Texas to carry a concealed handgun on premises associated with institutions of higher education. The bill would allow an institution of higher education to establish rules governing the storage of handguns in dormitories.  

The bill would proscribe an institution of higher education from adopting rules prohibiting the carrying of a licensed concealed handgun on campus grounds with the following exception: after consulting with students, staff, and faculty, a private or independent institution of higher education would be authorized to prohibit license holders from carrying handguns on premises that are owned or operated by the institution and located on the campus of the institution.

The bill would also authorize a hospital maintained and operated by an institution of higher education, as well as a preschool, elementary school and secondary school located on the campus of an institution of higher education, to prohibit license holders from carrying handguns on their premises provided effective notice is given pursuant to Section 30.06 of the Penal Code.

The bill would stipulate an institution, officer, employee, peace officer or handgun instructor
may not be held liable for damages or cause under the provisions of the bill.

State institutions of higher education reported that the bill's provisions could increase costs
related to campus police operations, security programs, and staff training. Adaptation of
campus facilities to accommodate the storage of handguns could result in new costs for
institutions.

For this analysis it is assumed implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within
current appropriation levels. The bill would take effect September 1, 2013.