This bill addresses the carrying of dangerous weapons at an institution of higher education.
This bill:
- allows an individual 21 years old or older to conceal a dangerous weapon at an institution of higher education without a concealed carry permit;
- amends the offense of carrying a dangerous weapon at an institution of higher education by:
renaming the offense to "Openly carrying a dangerous weapon at an institution of higher education";removing private institutions of higher education from locations where the offense is applicable; andprohibiting an individual, including an individual with any type of concealed carry permit, from openly carrying a dangerous weapon at an institution of higher education unless the individual is lawfully responding to an active threat;
- clarifies that an individual 18 years old or older but younger than 21 years old may carry, in an open manner, an unloaded firearm in any public location not prohibited by state statute or federal law;
- clarifies that an individual who has a concealed carry permit that allows the individual to carry on the grounds of an elementary school or secondary school may not open carry a dangerous weapon on the grounds of an elementary school or secondary school unless the individual is lawfully responding to an active threat; and
- makes technical and conforming changes.Statutes affected:
Introduced: 47-3-305, 53H-3-902
Substitute #1: 47-3-305, 53H-3-902, 76-11-220
Substitute #2: 76-11-205.5
Enrolled: 53H-3-902, 76-11-205, 76-11-205.5
Amended 2/19/2026 10:02:340: 53H-3-902, 76-11-205, 76-11-205.5
Amended 2/26/2026 12:02:764: 53H-3-902, 76-11-205, 76-11-205.5
Amended Excerpts 2/26/2026 12:02:764: 76-11-205.5.
Substitute #3: 53H-3-902, 76-11-205, 76-11-205.5