Texas Senator Donna Campbell joined Senator Brian Birdwell and twelve other colleagues in joint-authorizing legislation to allow students, faculty, and staff with a concealed handgun license (CHL) to cary firearms for personal protection on college campuses.

Senate Bill 182, also known as the Campus Personal Protection Act, also prevents colleges or universities from circumventing the intent of the Act by imposing administrative bans or penalties on students or employees lawfully carrying their licensed handgun on campus.

“We’ve seen the tragedies that occur when law-abiding citizens are forced to disarm while violent offenders break the law,” Senator Campbell said. “The Constitution guarantees our unalienable right to defend ourselves, and we shouldn’t have to surrender our rights at the door of our public universities.”

The legislation assures personal property rights by allowing independent or private universities to establish rules concerning CHL-holders on their campuses, and ensuring all colleges and universities may establish rules and regulations regarding the storage of handguns in residence halls. It also has the backing of the National Rifle Association and the Texas State Rifle Association.

“I believe the Campus Personal Protection Act restores our Second Amendment rights and is a step in the right direction towards protecting law-abiding citizens and preventing further tragedies,” Senator Campbell stated. “I’m proud to join Sen. Birdwell in protecting and fortifying our Constitutional rights.”

A CHL holder in Texas must be a citizen at least 21 years old; must pass state and federal background checks; must submit fingerprints to the Department of Public Safety; cannot be chemically dependent, of unsound mind or delinquent in paying official fines; must be eligible to purchase a handgun in the state of Texas; and must complete a minimum of 10 hours of comprehensive training, including a live-fire shooting proficiency test.