Yesterday, Senate Bill 17 passed on the Texas Senate floor with a 20-10 vote. Bill 17 would allow the open carry of holstered weapons by licensed gun permit holders statewide. Today, Senate Bill 11 will face a vote – this bill would legalize concealed carry on public college campuses.

All 20 Republicans on Senate voted in favor of 17, but not without reservations. State Senator Don Huffines, a Republican from Dallas, said he believes this bill is not going far enough to restore second amendment rights.

“I will vote for SB 17,” said Huffines, “but I do so with a heavy heart.”

So far, Bills 11 and 17 have only met opposition from Democrats.

“Have you thought about what dangers you’re fixing to expose on law enforcement?” said State Senator John Whitmire, a Democrat out of Houston, insisting that this bill would make it all too easy for a deranged individual to swipe a handgun from a carrier and use it. “It’s dead wrong to say there’s not disturbed people in this building. It’s not if it’s going to happen, it’s when it’s going to happen – and you know it, and I know it.”

Tarleton State University has its own motion in the works regarding gun control. Many students and members of SGA (Student Government Association) have called for a bill to pass that would allow individuals with a concealed handgun license to carry their firearms on campus. Multiple forums, meetings and polls have been implemented to gather student opinion on the issue, with the majority of responders apparently in favor of such a move.

Tonight, SGA House and Senate will vote on the campus carry legislation. The meeting is open to all students, and will take place in Nursing 107 at 5:15 p.m.