Texas Senate passes campus carry gun bill

The Senate in the U.S. state of Texas on Thursday passed a bill allowing concealed handguns on college classes despite safety concerns raised by higher education officials, faculty and students.

After a heated debate Thursday morning, the Senate of the Republican-dominated state voted 20-11 along party lines to give final approval to the proposal, the second in a week that expands gun rights in the Lone Star State.

On Monday, senators approved a bill permitting open carry of handguns in most places except for college campuses, which had been banned in Texas for 125 years.

According to the bill passed Thursday, people with gun licenses can carry concealed handguns at public universities. Private schools could still ban guns.

Supporters, mostly Republicans and gun advocates, say the law would further personal protection and second amendment rights, while opponents, including Democrats and school administrators, argue the bill would make campuses even more dangerous.

The bill is expected to become a law after getting approved in the GOP-controlled state House and the signature of Governor Greg Abbott.

Under the current state law, Texans older than 21 who pass a background check, take a class and shooting test can get a gun license after paying a fee. There are now nearly 826,000 gun license holders in Texas. Endite