Crazy Texans and Their Guns!

The recently passed Senate Bill 11, known as the “campus-carry” law will take effect in August of 2016.  It’s a given that whenever the issue of guns is brought up a heated discussion is almost always guaranteed. I give kudos to Give Me Texas or Give Me Death for bravely picking such a hot topic in Is Texas Crazy?  But while I have my mixed feelings about the campus-carry law, I can’t say I agree with the argument that “College students don’t take anything serious. You can’t trust them…. College students aren’t stable…..”  As a college student I find the argument somewhat offensive and demeaning.  At the age of 18 we entrust young men and women to protect our country by enlisting in the military and give them the right to vote but college students can’t be trusted?  Truly intrigued by the topic I went in search of some clarification for what this law really means.

Rep. Allen Fletcher points out some key components of the law:

• The bill requires a university president to adopt rules and policies regarding carrying a concealed handgun on campus. The governing board may amend those policies with a ⅔ vote.
• The university may adopt rules on policies regarding dorms and storage.
• The bill preserves the private property rights of private universities.
• The bill does not expand on who can obtain a concealed handgun license.
• Any locations that are off-limits off campus, such as bars and hospitals, remain off-limits.
• Open carry on campuses remains prohibited.

    The bill does not allow just anybody to walk on campus with a gun, only those that have a Concealed Handgun License (CHL).  My colleague points out “when has a rule ever stopped anyone? ……who are we to state for a fact that non-licensed students will respect the rules of this bill and not bring a weapon to campus.”  And she is completely right, when a person wants to commit a crime they will do so regardless of the laws put into place.  So prior to this law being passed if a student wanted to step on campus and open fire they were going to do it with or without a license.  

         Obtaining a CHL is no easy feat!  Some facts about obtaining a Concealed Handgun License as listed on the Texas Department of Public Safety:

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age (unless active duty military) and must meet Federal qualifications to purchase a handgun.
• A number of factors may make you ineligible to obtain a license, such as: felony convictions and some misdemeanor convictions, including charges that resulted in probation or deferred adjudication; pending criminal charges; chemical or alcohol dependency; certain types of psychological diagnoses protective or restraining orders, and defaults on state or city taxes, governmental fees, or child support.
• An original (first-time) CHL applicant must complete four to six hours of classroom training, pass a written examination and pass a proficiency demonstration (shooting).
• The standard fee for an original CHL is $140. The standard fee for a renewal of a CHL is $70. However, Texas law provides for some discounts if you meet certain special conditions.
•  All Original CHL applicants are required to submit fingerprints to DPS as part of the complete CHL application.
• DPS will make every effort to issue your license within 60 days of receiving the completed application packet. 

 Since Texas is not the first to pass such a law, it would have been interesting to see crime statistics for the 7 other states that already allow campus carry.  Did they see an increase of student initiated shootings or an increased in gun-assisted crime?