Texas Moves Closer To Allowing Guns On College Campuses
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Senate has given final approval to a proposal allowing people with proper licenses to carry concealed handguns on college campuses.
Thursday's 20-11 party line vote came one day after senators spent hours debating and preliminarily passing the bill. It now heads to the GOP-controlled House.
Republican Sen. Brian Birdwell's plan mandates allowing concealed carry at public universities. Private schools could still ban guns.
At least 20 states allow some form of so-called "campus carry."
Supporters say the proposal will help protect students. Opponents, including most student groups and key leaders of Texas' top universities, say the bill would make campuses less safe.
A separate bill that cleared the Senate earlier in the week lets Texans with gun licenses openly carry firearms in most places except for college campuses.
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