Concealed handgun carry on public universities in Texas took effect Aug. 1. Universities in Texas have finalized their policies for implementing the state law, known as Senate Bill 11, which permits concealed carrying of handguns on college campuses and requires public institutions to allow guns on parts of their campuses with exceptions. Here's what you need to know about the law:

1. The concealed carry law only applies to universities ... for now.

SB 11 takes effect Aug. 1, 2017 for community colleges, so community colleges have another year to implement campus carry. Junior colleges have another year to implement campus carry. In the meantime, the Houston Community College and Lone Star College systems are watching how four-year institutions’ policies are received before crafting their own.

“At this point in time the [review] committee has basically been soliciting terms and ideas,” HCC Chief of Police Greg Cunningham said.

2. Openly carrying firearms is still illegal on college campuses.

Open carry, also known as House Bill 910, which allows license holders to openly carry holstered handguns in public spaces, is still prohibited at all colleges.

3. Private institutions can opt out of campus carry.

Private institutions can opt out of campus carry. In Houston, Rice University, Houston Baptist University and the University of St. Thomas have decided to opt out.

4. The law goes into effect on the 5oth anniversary of the University of Texas Tower shooting.

Aug. 1 also marks the 50th anniversary of the UT Tower shooting, when gunman Charles Whitman opened fire on 49 people and killed 16. A ceremony was held to dedicate a memorial to the victims of the tragedy.