After hours of debate, amendments and a last minute approval from the Texas House of Representatives, a bill to expand concealed carry rights at Texas colleges and universities was passed by the Legislature May 31 and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott. Senate Bill 11, which requires all public universities to allow concealed handguns in campus buildings, dorms and classrooms, passed on a 98-47 vote. The law will go into effect August 2016 for universities and August 2017 for community colleges. The modified SB 11, filed by state Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, includes House amendments designed to exempt campus carry from health facilities and allow colleges to create gun-free zones. An additional amendment passed by the Senate allows schools to impose rules on the storage of weapons in dorms and residence halls. Lone Star College System officials pushed for a local option amendment to the bill, which allows local trustees and university regents to determine whether campus carry is permitted on the individual institutions, said Ray Laughter, LSCS vice chancellor for external affairs. “Everybody that lives in our district votes on those trustees to run the college,” Laughter said. “We’ve been expressing [local control] to our legislators as a good option. Every campus is different—some have daycare centers, dormitories and some have high school students taking classes. All of those have different types of issues that might affect having guns on campus.” Before laws were expanded, individuals with a CHL could bring handguns to campus but not into buildings, Laughter said. Residents are required to be 21 years of age or older to obtain a concealed handgun license, exempting a large portion of underclassmen university students across the state. However, an estimated 59 percent of Lone Star College System students are 21 or older, according to demographic data. In preparation for the possible change in the law, Lone Star College System held two public forums in late March at the CyFair and Kingwood campuses to educate the community and gather feedback. The results of the poll and discussions from the public forum will be considered by the board in the formation of future policies, LSCS board Chairwoman Linda Good said. Before expansion Where guns are allowed • CHL holders can bring handguns to public college campuses, but not into buildings • Private colleges that choose to allow them Where guns are not allowed • Campus buildings • Dorms • Classrooms • Private colleges that choose to ban them After expansion Where guns are allowed • On campus grounds • In campus buildings, dorms and classrooms • Private colleges that choose to allow them Where guns are not allowed • Health care facilities • On-campus day care centers • Athletic stadiums and sports venues • Gun-free zones as designated by individual college boards • Private colleges that choose to ban them