This bill amends the Education Code and Government Code to allow licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on the campuses of school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. Specifically, it adds Section 37.0816 to the Education Code, which prohibits school boards from adopting rules that restrict employees from carrying concealed handguns while performing their job duties on school premises. Additionally, it modifies existing definitions and provisions related to the carrying of handguns on campuses, ensuring that school districts and charter schools cannot impose restrictions on licensed individuals carrying firearms on their properties.

The bill also includes several amendments to the Government Code, clarifying definitions related to "campus," "open-enrollment charter school," and "school district." It establishes that a school district or open-enrollment charter school cannot adopt rules that prohibit licensed individuals from carrying handguns on their campuses. Furthermore, it repeals Section 37.0815 of the Education Code, which may have previously imposed restrictions on handgun carry in educational settings. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to offenses committed after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.2031, Government Code 411.2032, Government Code 411.208, Penal Code 46.03, Education Code 37.0815 (Education Code 37, Government Code 411, Penal Code 46)