AUSTIN – Today, the "Campus Personal Protect Act", filed as Senate Bill 11, passed in the Texas Senate by a vote of 20-11. Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), joint author of the bill, issued the following statement regarding its passage:

"As legislators, it is our obligation to make sure Texas and her law-abiding citizens are safe. There is no such thing as a "gun-free" zone. That is why twenty-three other states that have passed concealed carry laws allow license-holders to carry on campus."

"Having authored similar campus carry measures in the past, it is a pleasure to be a joint author of Senate Bill 11. Its Senate passage today reaffirms the right of Texas CHL-holders to self-defense on college campuses. Our faculty, staff, and students deserve a fighting chance to protect themselves from bad actors intent on doing harm."

S.B. 11, authored by Senator Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury), allows students, faculty, and staff with a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry their firearm for personal protection on college campuses across the state.

This legislation in no way alters who can carry a concealed handgun. To obtain a CHL in Texas, a citizen must be at least 21 years old (or active-duty military); 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, fees or child support; must be otherwise eligible to purchase a handgun in the State of Texas; and must complete several hours of comprehensive DPS training, including a live-fire shooting proficiency test.

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