The new campus handgun carry law (SB 11) requires Texas universities to have in place by August 1 their rules regarding where on campus concealed handguns may be carried. To date, two universities have announced their plans.

The University of Texas and the University of Houston announced similar plans in terms of where concealed handguns can be carried by licensed owners. Both ban carry in places set aside by state or federal law as gun-free zones (e.g. daycare and health care facilities, sporting events, religious service areas and polling places). They also ban weapons in labs containing animals or dangerous materials and areas where grievance or disciplinary hearings take place. Both universities allow guns in classrooms and other areas not specifically designated as gun-free zones.

They differ somewhat regarding student housing. The University of Houston bans guns in most student-housing whereas Texas bans them in residence halls but allows them in university-owned apartments. U of H also forbids them in university-owned cars.

Texas A&M University has not yet established its policy. The task force creating the policy has been charged with delivering the policy to president Michael Young by April 30. Texas Tech is also still in the process of creating its plan although its website currently states “there will not be a general prohibition of licensed handguns on the premises of all housing facilities; however, additional information and guidance will be forthcoming.”