A campus carry bill declared dead earlier in the Texas legislative session has gotten a second life after a Senate committee gave it a hearing on May 14.
The packed room at the Capitol seemed familiar Tuesday 鈥� many testifying against a bill that would allow students, faculty and staff to carry concealed handguns on college campuses.
But , D-Houston, the chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, said the Texas Legislature is likely to pass this campus carry bill.
"I will bet you a Coke that we鈥檙e going to have a special session and if you鈥檙e successful defeating this, you鈥檙e going to get the stronger version and it will become law," he said to Frances Schenkkan, a member of . "Remember I advised you on that at 3 o鈥檆lock on May 14."
Schenkkan, an Austin resident, said she was not convinced.
"I will and I will be sorry for that," she said, adding that she'd still urge her senator, , D-Austin, to vote against either measure.
The hearing was on House Bill 972, which would allow universities to opt out. They would need to renew that decision annually. A Senate version of this bill by , R- Granbury, would not allow an option. Both would create exemptions for hospitals, sporting events and a few other venues.
At least five other states allow firearms in classrooms. North Carolina鈥檚 State House passed a bill last week that would allow it, but its Senate committee hasn鈥檛 debated it yet. Despite his remarks, Sen. Whitmire voted against it, as did . HB 972 goes next to the Senate floor.
