Campus Concealed Carry

1. When does the Campus Concealed Carry law go into effect?
August 1, 2016. 

2. Who may carry a gun on campus?
Any individual who holds a current and valid concealed handgun license (CHL) may carry a concealed handgun where permitted on university property.

3. Will guns be allowed in classrooms or at recreational sporting events?
Under the law, universities may establish zones on campus where guns will not be permitted for reasons of campus safety. The task force will explore the issue of gun-free zones through university-wide forums and will make recommendations.

4. Will guns be allowed during disciplinary hearings?
Under the law, universities may establish zones on campus where guns will not be permitted for reasons of campus safety. The task force will explore the issue through open forums with faculty, staff and students and make recommendations.

5. What if I feel threatened?
Anyone who feels threatened should call the A&M-San Antonio Campus Police Department (210) 784-1911 or Emergency 911.

6. How will I know if my classmates or students have guns?
Texas Law prohibits CHL holders from intentionally or knowingly displaying a handgun in plain view of another person in the buildings of an institution of higher education, or in driveways, streets, sidewalks or walkways, parking lots, parking garages, or other parking areas. If you see an intentionally displayed handgun in these areas, please contact UPD (210) 784-1911. However, it is very possible that you will see an accidentally displayed handgun on campus. Accidental exposure is not a violation of the law. Please contact UPD if the individual seems to be intentionally or knowingly displaying the handgun in the areas listed.

7. Will faculty and staff be allowed to carry guns?
Any individual who holds a current and valid concealed handgun license (CHL) may carry a concealed handgun where permitted on university property.

8. What about campus safety?
The new legislation supports universities’ rights to exercise local control. A&M-San Antonio has created a committee that will identify ways to optimize the safety and security of the campus based on input gathered from university-wide forums.

9. What is the Open Carry Law?
Effective January 1, 2016, House Bill 910 authorizes individuals to obtain a license to openly carry a handgun in the same places that allow the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun with some exceptions.  Unconcealed handguns, loaded or unloaded, must be carried in a shoulder or belt holster.

Open Carry is NOT permitted by a license holder, regardless of whether the handgun is holstered, on the premises or on any public/private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage or other parking area of an institution of higher education.

10. What is the Campus Concealed Carry Law?
The Campus Concealed Carry law applies to all land and buildings owned or leased by an institution of higher education. Violators of the Campus Concealed Carry law will be subject to gun confiscation, legal action and possible revocation of their CHL by state authorities.

11. Who decides where and when I can carry my handgun?
A&M-San Antonio will decide as a community what is appropriate for its campuses, subject to approval from the A&M System Board of Regents.

12. How will I know where I can and cannot have a concealed handgun?
Gun-free zones will be clearly marked with signs. Information on these zones and on A&M-San Antonio rules and regulations regarding campus carry will be available at: http://www.tamusa.edu/officeofthepresident/campus-concealed-carry/index.html

13. What if I accidentally take my handgun into a gun-free zone?
Those who hold a CHL are expected to maintain a high level of responsibility for the care and control of their concealed handgun at all times. Any violation — even accidental — will have consequences and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

14. What about other weapons?
According to Texas Penal Code, Section 46.03, individuals may not possess illegal knives (blade longer than 5.5 inches, Bowie knives, daggers, etc.), clubs and other prohibited weapons while on university property.

15. What if I see someone with a gun displayed?
Contact campus police at (210) 784-1911 or Emergency 911.