A Texas Senate bill that would let students carry concealed handguns on college campuses is dead this legislative session, with one senator saying it’s time for a “cooling off” period.
The chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee says he gets why some want to legalize concealed carry on college campuses. Students are doing it illegally, he says.
But StateSen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, says the issue is too divisive for what’s been a friendly session.
"In this environment and in the aftermath of such a tragedy as Sandy Hook, that we need to stand down and not broaden the right to carry at any venue," Sen. Whitmire said.
His committee won’t be hearingSenate Bill 182 by State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury. It would allow concealed carry on higher ed campuses.
State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, has a similar measure in the House. He doesn’t think it’s divisive.
"This is something that the majority of the people of the great State of Texas want to have the right to do," Rep. Fletcher said.
Sen. Whitmire’s committee did vote today in support of a bill by State Sen. Glenn Hegarthat would allow guns only inside cars parked on college campuses.