Lone Star College officials announced they will conduct two public forums to discuss pending legislation that could expand gun rights on college campuses in Texas. The forums have been set for the following dates:
- March 30, 7–9 p.m. at the LSC–Kingwood student conference center, 2000 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood
- March 31, 2–4 p.m. at the LSC–CyFair conference center, 9191 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress
The forums will specifically discuss House Bill 937 and Senate Bill 11. If passed, these companion bills would allow people with Concealed Handgun Licenses to carry a concealed weapon anywhere on public college or university campuses. Current law allows concealed carry on public college campuses, but not inside buildings. Citizens are required to be 21 years of age or older to obtain an CHL.
SB 11, filed by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R–Grandbury, was passed by the Texas Senate March 19. HB937, filed by state Rep. Allen Fletcher, R–Cypress, was picked up by the Homeland Security and Public Safety committee March 5 and is still pending.
The bill passed by the Senate includes provisions that make on-campus hospitals, sporting venues and day care centers exempt from the law. SB 11 would grant universities immunity from lawsuits for the actions of a CHL holder on campus and allow schools to impose rules on the storage of weapons in dorms and residence halls. An amendment was passed to specify that open carry would not be allowed on campuses, even if general open carry laws are passed this session.
SB 11 also allows private universities to opt out and continue with existing gun bans. LSCS officials were hopeful an amendment would be passed giving college boards the ability to opt out as well, but no amendment was included.
The forums are open to students, faculty, staff and the community. The Cy-Fair forum will feature an overview of what constitutes a concealed weapon and a summary of the legislative process. Members of the debate team and student government association will use research to debate the pros and cons of the legislation.
Attendees at both forums will break out into discussion groups to share information, opinions and perspectives. The forum will conclude with attendees casting a confidential "vote" via iPad.
The LSCS board of trustees has not taken an official stance on the legislation, but is still advocating for a local option. The results of the forum votes and key discussion points will be shared with the board and elected officials.
"We feel it is important to have a frank and open discussion on the impact this legislation will have at our campuses," Chancellor Stephen Head said. "We also want to get feedback to ensure we take appropriate measures should campus carry become law."
A faculty survey at LSCS indicated broad opposition to expanding campus carry. Kim Carter, faculty senate president at LSC–Tomball, reported the findings to the board at a March 5 meeting.
"We do not want guns on our campuses," she said. "Faculty are not keen on it at all."
The LSCS board will not take an official stance on the bills until after the public forums, board chair Linda Good said. The next LSCS board meeting is set for April 9 at 6 p.m.
