Campus Carry

The Campus Carry Act, which added section 411.2031 to the Government Code in 2015, governs handguns on college campuses and authorizes a concealed handgun license holder to carry a concealed handgun on the campus of a public or private university in Texas, with some exceptions. The Firearm Carry Act of 2021, sometimes known as the “Open Carry” law, permits open carry by most persons in most places in Texas starting September 1, 2021, but is different from the Campus Carry law and does not apply to college campuses. Individuals who do not possess a valid license to carry (“LTC”) are and will continue to be prohibited from carrying a handgun on campus.

• Can I openly carry a handgun on campus without a LTC?
  No. The Campus Carry law governs handguns on campus, and it does not allow either open or unlicensed carry.
  
  
• Can I openly carry a handgun on campus with a LTC?
  No. The Campus Carry law specifically requires that handguns be concealed.
  
  
• If I have a LTC, can I carry a concealed gun on campus or in buildings?
  Yes, unless the area of campus or specific building has been designated as a Weapons Free Zone and is marked with the appropriate signage.
  
  
• Are there different rules for rifles, long guns and shotguns?
  Yes. The Campus Carry law only applies to handguns, which are defined as any firearm that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one hand. Rifles, long guns and shotguns are not covered by the Campus Carry law, and are not permitted in campus buildings.
  
  
• Can I keep my handgun in my car?
  If you are a LTC holder, you may keep your firearm or ammunition in a locked vehicle on a street or driveway located on the campus, or in a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area located on the campus.
  
  
• What do I do if I see someone with a gun on campus?
  Call Campus Police (ext. 8-8888 from a campus phone or 713-718-8888 from an external phone) Only LTC holders may carry handguns on campus, and they are specifically required to carry the handgun in a concealed manner.
  
  
• When should I call campus police if I feel uncomfortable with someone who has a handgun?
  If you believe your safety is being threatened, you should call campus police immediately, instead of confronting the person with the handgun yourself. A police officer may disarm a person at any time the officer reasonably believes it is necessary for the protection of the person, officer, or another individual.
  
  
• Can I carry a concealed weapon at sporting events?
  No, the Campus Carry law prohibits a LTC holder from carrying a concealed weapon on the premises where any sporting event or interscholastic event is taking place, including HCC Sponsored sporting events, high school and professional sporting events being held on HCC property. This prohibition would also apply to any open carry at a HCC Sponsored sporting event being held off HCC property.
  
  
• Can I carry a handgun with a LTC at (non-sporting) HCC-sponsored events held off campus?
  Yes, a LTC holder may carry a concealed handgun on the grounds or in a building where an activity sponsored by HCC is being conducted.
  
  
• Can I carry a handgun without a LTC at (non-sporting) HCC-sponsored events held off campus if the place we are visiting allows open carry?
  No. The law prohibits the carrying of handguns (as well as other weapons) on any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by HCC is being conducted, and the only exception (see above) is for LTC holders.
  
  
• For more information regarding Campus Carry at HCC, please see the link below:
  
  https://www.hccs.edu/departments/police/campus-carry/

During and Active Shooter Event:

If you have a license to carry a concealed weapon on campus and are carrying your weapon:

• Keep your weapon concealed unless you are confronted by the shooter(s).
• After engaging, return your weapon to it’s holster and conceal it again (police will come to the sound of the shots fired; you should not have a weapon in your hand when they arrive.)
• When evacuating, keep your weapon concealed and leave with everyone else.
• If your weapon is visible when police arrive you will be confronted by police. 
  
  
  • Follow commands.
  • Do not turn to the officers.
  • Do not try to show them LTC unless ordered to do so.
  • Be prepared to surrender your weapon. The police may take your weapon from you during the event.

• http://www.hccs.edu/emergency/emergency-guide/active-shooter/

RUN

• Have an escape route and plan in mind.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.
• Help others escape, if possible.
• Do not attempt to move the wounded.
• Prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be located.
• Call 911 when you are safe.

HIDE

• Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view.
• Lock door or block entry to your hiding place.
• Silence your cell phone (including vibrate mode) and remain quiet.
• Call police if it is safe to do so.

FIGHT

• Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
• Act with as much physical aggression as possible.
• Improvise weapons or throw items at the active shooter.
• Commit to your actions; your life depends on it.

HELPFUL LINKS

• Emergency guide - Active Shooter

Houston Community College designates Weapons Free Zones on either a permanent or temporary basis.  All designated weapons free zones will be marked with appropriate signage.  

Permanent Weapons Free Zones are always weapons free and meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. College District areas used exclusively for day care, child care centers, and school activities.
2. Health care facilities used for patient care, counseling and mental health services.
3. Laboratory areas where dangerous materials and equipment or research animals are present.
4. Designated conference areas used for discussions of grievances or disciplinary hearings or meetings (These exclusions may be permanent or temporary based on usage of spaces.)
5. Areas where contractual or licensing obligations require the exclusion of weapons and handguns.
6. Other areas prohibited by regulation, state or federal law

Current Permanent Locations

In addition to the permanent Weapon Free Zones, spaces may be identified as Temporary Weapons Free Zones for limited time periods. Temporary Weapons Free Zones meet one of the above criteria for a limited time such as the temporary use of a space for K-12 students or meet one of the following criteria:

From policy:

1. Interscholastic sporting events
2. Board Meetings

If approved for temporary Weapon Free Zone status, signage will be placed at the space during the time frame approved.