This is an important question. If the amendment would remove the criminal penalty, it might be worth accepting just to get something passed.Ameer wrote:In other words, would the criminal penalty in Chapter 46 be eliminated for colleges and universities and the "opt out" schools are limited to internal discipline to penalize the students, faculty and staff who violate school policies?
With support for SB 354 not looking so good, maybe now is a good time to start pushing for HB 2178. This bill would decriminalize the carrying of a concealed handgun on campus. Basically, the way I understand it, the school could (and probably would) have policies to prohibit guns on campus, but there would not be a criminal penalty if caught. The worst penalty you would face would either be expulsion (for a student) or termination of employment (for faculty and staff). You would not have to face any jail time.
I realize this is not the best solution, but if it would get enough support in the Senate for floor debate, it would be better than nothing.
I don't think there is a Senate companion bill for HB 2178.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLook ... ill=HB2178" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;