STATE SENATE APPROVES COLLEGE GUN BILL

  

The State Senate has given final approval to a proposal allowing people with proper licenses to carry concealed handguns on college campuses.

Thursday morning's 20-11 party line vote comes one day after senators spent hours debating and passing the bill. It now heads to the GOP-controlled House.

Republican Sen. Brian Birdwell's plan mandates allowing concealed carry at public universities. Private schools could still ban guns.

At least 20 states allow some form of so-called "campus carry."

Supporters say the proposal will help protect students. Opponents, including most student groups and leaders of Texas' top universities, say the bill would make campuses less safe.

A separate bill that cleared the Senate earlier in the week lets Texans with gun licenses openly carry firearms in most places except for college campuses.