For the first time, licensed gun owners were able to conceal carry on public junior college campuses across the state, including Alvin Community College and San Jacinto College, on Aug. 1.

Senate Bill 11, which was passed in 2015, first affected four-year institutions in 2016. Community colleges were phased in this year. Private universities and colleges can opt out.

While campus carry is legal, SJC Chief of Police Bruce Caldwell said any firearms must remain holstered and out of sight.

“Those who have a license to carry may carry on the San Jacinto campus so long that they do not enter areas that are excluded,” Caldwell said.

SJC marked all gun-free zones with signs. Each college has authority to enforce restrictions on campus carry over the statutory limitations.

At ACC, the campus police department posted signs about gun-free zones. ACC Police Chief Ike Hammrick said most buildings are not gun-free.

“I do not feel [Senate Bill] 11 will affect ACC in any major manner,” Hammrick said.

Gun-free zones on campus

San Jacinto College

• Campus during a K-12 field trip
• Day care centers
• Labs
• Patient care areas, like mental health or counseling services
• Place where formal hearings are being conducted
• Place of worship
• Stadiums on game day
• Polling places during an election day or early voting

Alvin Community College

• Day care center
• Human resources office
• Police academy
• Police department
• Testing areas