The Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee is holding a public hearing this afternoon on a bill that would allow guns on college campuses.
The Texas House approved HB 972 two weeks ago.
State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, wrote the bill. It allows concealed handgun license holders to carry their weapons into college classrooms.
While supporters say that the bill would make campuses safer, opponents say allowing guns in classrooms may increase the level of violence on campuses.
As KUT News previously reported:
"I did not file this bill so that concealed handgun licensed could be heroes in mass shooting situations. Those tragic events are thankfully extremely rare," Rep. Fletcher said. But when they happen, he says, law enforcement may not have enough time to get to the campus.
Similar bills have failed in previous sessions.
