College Campuses have Special Rules – A person licensed to carry a handgun under Chapter 411, Subchapter H of the Texas Gov’t Code is generally permitted to carry on a college campus, subject to some exceptions. (College campuses remain prohibited places under Texas Penal Code 46.03(a)(1) for people without a license to carry). A licensed handgun carrier commits an
offense if the person carries a handgun:

  • In a manner such that the handgun is visible (even if it is in a holster). If allowed, handguns must remain concealed on college campuses. Texas Penal Code 46.03(a-2).

  • On a private college campus if forbidden by written rules prohibiting license holders from carrying. Texas Penal Code 46.03(a-3). 

  • In certain designated areas on a college campus where concealed weapons are prohibited by written rules. Texas Penal Code 46.03(a-4).

The statutes related to carrying a handgun on public and private college campuses are unique to those facilities, but in a nutshell it appears that a person who carries a handgun onto a college campus must abide by that campus’s rules, must be licensed to carry a handgun, and cannot openly display the handgun (even in a holster).

Texas Penal Code 46.15 (Nonapplicability) provides that many of the restrictions listed above are not applicable or are limited for certain people (e.g., peace officers) in all or some circumstances.

The exceptions provided by this section are too numerous to list entirely, but some important changes include:

  • 46.15(p) – Sections 46.03(a)(7), (11), and (13) (restrictions on carrying in bars, hospitals, and amusement parks) do not apply if the person holds a license to carry a handgun under Chapter 411, Subchapter H of the Texas Gov’t Code and was not given notice that handguns are forbidden on the premises with signage under Penal Code 30.06 or 30.07.

  • 46.15(q) – Section 46.03(a)(8) does not apply if the person carries a handgun on the premises where a collegiate sporting event is occurring, if the person holds a license to carry a handgun issued under the Texas Gov’t Code, and the person did not receive notice under Penal Code 30.06 or 30.07.