Though SB11, Texas’ campus-carry law, doesn’t go into effect until August, last week faculty at University of Texas-Austin passed a measure against guns in classrooms, dorms and other buildings—prompting the senator who authored SB11 to contact Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for further clarification on the law.
In a letter, Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, wrote that while SB11 permits university presidents to enact “reasonable” rules prohibiting guns in certain areas, it doesn’t sufficiently define “reasonable.” He said SB11 does not grant university presidents authority to ban firearms in dormitories, and added that allowing professors to decide whether to ban guns in their classrooms would violate the spirit of the law, leading to a “hodgepodge of rules” that could ultimately amount to a campus-wide ban.
Birdwell requested clarification on whether concealed carry could be suspended temporarily, such as during finals week, and whether permit-holders could file suit against colleges and officials they believe have violated SB11.
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