During the Regular Session of the 87th Texas Legislature, House Bill 1927, also known as Constitutional Carry, was passed by the Legislature, and signed into law by Governor Abbott. The Bill became effective midnight, September 1, 2021.
This bill allows an individual 21 years of age or older, who may legally possess a firearm and who is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm, to do so concealed or unconcealed (but holstered), without obtaining or possessing a License to Carry (LTC).
In keeping with existing university policy prohibiting firearms on campus, Midwestern State University (MSU Texas), along with other components of the Texas Tech University System, has chosen to exercise the authority granted to it in Section 30.05 of the Texas Penal Code (Criminal Trespass), to prohibit persons from entering onto University property, while in possession of a firearm. On and after September 1, 2021, an individual will not be allowed to possess a firearm on MSU Texas property, unless such individual possesses a LTC issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (or an agency of another state authorized to issue such license and with which Texas maintains a reciprocity agreement). To reiterate, this prohibition does not forbid a person who possesses a valid License to Carry from carrying a concealed handgun at MSU Texas unless Section 30.06 signage is also present: all privileges, duties and responsibilities granted by law to a bona-fide LTC holder remain in full-effect at MSU Texas. Section 30.06 signs, which prohibit all handguns, may be found in certain labs, meeting rooms or other specific areas of campus.
- Firearms Possessed by Non-LTC Holders Are NOT allowed on MSU Texas Campus Property
In keeping with existing university policy, MSU Texas, along with other components of the Texas Tech University System, has chosen to exercise its authority under Section 30.05 of the Texas Penal Code (Criminal Trespass) to prohibit a person who does not possess a valid License to Carry from entering onto campus property with a firearm.
- License-To-Carry Holders Excluded
The firearms prohibition referenced above does not apply to bona-fide LTC holders. Persons who hold a valid License-To-Carry issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (or an agency of another state authorized to issue such license and with which Texas maintains a reciprocity agreement) may carry concealed handguns in authorized places on campus, in accordance with existing law.
- Criminal Penalty and Sanctions
A person who enters onto MSU Texas campus property in possession of a firearm, or who refuses to leave upon receiving notice from a competent authority, and who is not a valid LTC holder, may be criminally prosecuted under Texas Penal Code Section 30.05 Criminal Trespass, or Section 46.03 Places Weapons Prohibited, depending upon the location of the violation. Such persons who are affiliated with MSU Texas may also face administrative sanctions.