Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Current Law for carrying handguns on campus?
Currently a person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Texas Penal Code Section 46.05 (a)

(1) On the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution.

What must a person do to obtain a License to Carry LTC (formerly referred to as a Concealed Carry License CHL)?
The Texas Department of Public Safety administers the License to Carry LTC (Formerly Concealed Handgun Licensing CHL) Program for the State of Texas. All laws, regulations, licensing and registration requirements, and the application process can be found on the Texas Department for Public Safety site.

What would preclude someone from getting a handgun license?
All laws, regulations, licensing and registration requirements can be found at the Texas Department for Public Safety site.

What will happen if a minor gains access to my handgun?
Under Texas Penal Code §46.13, it is a violation of criminal law if a child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm and the person with criminal negligence failed to secure the firearm; or left the firearm in a place to which the person knew or should have known the child would gain access.

What is the Campus Carry Law?
The 84th Texas Legislative Session, Senate Bill 11, Campus Carry law will allow persons with state issued concealed handgun license (CHL) or a license to carry (LTC) to possess a concealed handgun at community colleges beginning on August 1, 2017, unless the area has been designated as a restricted gun free zone.

What is the Open Carry Law?
The open carry law took effect on January 1, 2016 allowing LTC holders to openly carry a firearm in public. This law does not apply to community colleges. Therefore, the open carrying of weapons is not allowed on college property.

Who will be allowed to carry?
Faculty, staff and students that are at least 21 years of age and have obtained a CHL or LTC will be able to carry a concealed handgun beginning on August 1, 2017. Unless the area has been designated as a gun free zone.

What does concealed mean?
Concealed means that the handgun is not visible. The handgun is concealed even if an “imprint” can be seen as long as a part of the gun is not showing.

Can a LTC holder carry his/her handgun in a backpack or purse?
Yes, but the backpack or purse must be on or about the LTC holder’s person and the handgun must be in a holster that completely covers the trigger and entire trigger guard area.

Will Clarendon College provide storage facilities for License to Carry holders to store their handguns?
There are no approved handgun storage facilities, lockers, lockboxes, or gun safes for License to Carry holders on Clarendon College property.

How will I know where I can and cannot have a concealed handgun?
Gun free zones will be clearly marked with the appropriate state mandated signs.

Who can designate a gun free zone?
Only the Clarendon College President can designate a gun free zone.

Can a faculty or staff member ban handguns from classrooms?
In general, students with a license to carry have the right to carry a concealed handgun in classrooms. Clarendon College staff and faculty members do not have authority to ban handguns from classrooms. Excluding handguns from classrooms would have the effect of generally prohibiting student license holders from exercising their right to carry, and thus would violate state law.