⚠️ IMPORTANT: This post contains EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION ONLY—NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Please read the complete disclaimer at the bottom of this post BEFORE reading further. Information and interpretation are complex and subject to change. This blog provides educational information only and does not interpret specific statutes or provide legal advice about how laws apply to your situation. DO NOT rely on this post for carry decisions without consulting a licensed Texas firearms attorney.
Are you heading to UT Austin, Texas A&M, Rice University, SMU, University of Houston, Baylor, UT San Antonio, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, Texas Tech, University of North Texas, Stephen F. Austin State University, or another public or private college or university in Texas, and plan to carry while you’re on campus? If yes, or you might, you’d best check each university’s campus carry FAQ page.
Do not assume that constitutional carry or a Texas License to Carry (LTC) means you’re all clear to carry firearms on college campuses. Reality is always more complicated. Constitutional carry and LTC both have limitations on college campuses. These limitations are intentional. It reflects the university’s decisions about safety policy.
An LTC provides many practical benefits in Texas (interstate reciprocity, statutory exceptions in certain locations, demonstrated training). But an entirety of campus carry is NOT one of those benefits at some universities. Do not assume an LTC enables campus carry unless you’ve verified your specific institution allows it.
If you’re a college or university student, employee, or visitor on a Texas college campus, always ask and verify. You are responsible for knowing that institution’s firearms policy. Don’t guess. Don’t assume. Don’t rely on what worked at another campus. If you’re still unsure, don’t carry. Violating a university’s firearms policy can result in criminal charges, expulsion, loss of your LTC, and employment consequences. Consult an attorney if necessary. The safest decision is the informed decision.
Here’s What the Law Actually Says. For specific interpretation applicable to your situation, consult a Texas firearms attorney:
- Texas Penal Code §46.03 generally prohibits carrying a firearm on college campuses.
- There are limited exceptions for LTC holders if the specific university has NOT adopted its own policy prohibiting carry.
- Here’s the critical part: some Texas universities HAVE adopted policies prohibiting firearm carry on campus, even for LTC holders.
What this means for Texas constitutional carry:
- You cannot carry on Texas college campuses (with very rare exceptions)
- Constitutional carry does not provide an exemption for campus carry
- This restriction exists regardless of your age, training, or residence
What this means for a Texas LTC holder:
- Find out where you can and cannot carry on campus
- Universities could have adopted additional policies prohibiting carry
- Your LTC does not override the university’s firearms policies
- The LTC provides statutory exceptions in many places, but not in all places
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Constitutional carry is a Texas right. An LTC is an optional risk management tool. It’s not a requirement, not a guarantee, but a practical option with specific benefits. Always respect the property owner’s rights. Know the current law in your jurisdiction. Avoid problems by making informed decisions. Whether you choose constitutional carry or an LTC, these principles are non-negotiable.
⚠️ EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION ONLY – NOT LEGAL ADVICE. This post provides educational information. It does NOT constitute legal advice. The author is NOT an attorney. Post content may discuss general legal principles, but does NOT apply to your specific situation or jurisdiction. DO NOT rely on this post for decisions about whether to carry firearms in any particular location, as laws change frequently. Information in this post is current as of the date posted. Laws may have changed since this post was published. Always verify current law before making carry decisions. By reading this post, you assume full responsibility for your actions and for ascertaining the current law.
For current official information please see the sources below:
