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University Rule

34.06.02.J1 Carrying Concealed Handguns on Campus

Approved: November 13, 2025
Next Scheduled Review: November 13, 2030

Summary

This rule is designed to promote knowledge about the permissible concealed carrying of handguns and to provide information relative to those areas on campus where concealed carry is excluded. This rule is established pursuant to Texas Government Code 411.2031.

Definitions

Click to view Definitions in System Regulations 34.06.02, Weapons

Rule

  1. The president of Texas A&M University-Victoria (A&M-Victoria) established this rule after consulting with A&M-Victoria students, staff and faculty about the nature of the student population, specific safety considerations, and the uniqueness of the campus environment. This rule has been reviewed and approved by the system board of regents, as required by law. 

  2. A handgun license holder under Chapter 411, Texas Government Code, may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the A&M-Victoria campus or in a A&M-Victoria vehicle, unless prohibited by state or federal law, or this rule. The open carrying of handguns on campus is prohibited. Licensed peace officers are authorized by law to carry firearms at all times.

  3. A&M-Victoria enforces state law regulating firearms on campus. This enforcement occurs in two ways. First, university police or other applicable law enforcement agencies will investigate and take appropriate action, including referral for criminal prosecution when violations occur. Second, A&M-Victoria will consider any violation of state law regulating firearms to be a violation of A&M-Victoria rules. Accordingly, such a violation is subject to disciplinary action under rules applicable to students, faculty, and staff.

  4. Storage of Handguns in Residential Facilities

4.1 This section applies to residence halls or other residential facilities located on campus that are owned and operated by A&M-Victoria.

4.2 Any resident student who is a concealed handgun license holder who wishes to store their handgun in their residence hall room:

a. must provide a safe that is intended and made for the storage of handguns. Inspection and installation of safes must go through the Department of University Residential Life or the University Police Department; or

b. may apply for a safe through the Department of University Residential Life or the University Police Department which will oversee installation.

5. Rules Applicable to Carrying a Concealed Handgun on Campus

5.1 State Law Prohibitions

A license holder is responsible for complying with the applicable state law prohibitions. See Appendix.

5.2 Federal Law Prohibitions

A license holder is responsible for complying with the applicable federal law prohibitions.

5.3 Other Prohibited Campus Premises

A license holder is also prohibited from carrying a concealed handgun in the following campus premises:

5.3.1 The president has prohibited carrying a concealed handgun in:

        1. University Health and Counseling
        2. University Science
        3. Premises on which UIL or Interscholastic events are hosted by the University and where minors are the primary attendees/audience (band camp, sports camps, engineering day, leadership conferences, ).
        4. On the premises of the stadium, ballpark, gymnasium, court area, or track and field facility where any of the following is taking place: interscholastic sporting event; intercollegiate sporting event; professional sporting Areas include, the City of Victoria Softball Complex, The City of Victoria’s Riverside Baseball Stadium, “The Cage” Soccer Field at A&M-Victoria, VISD’s Memorial Stadium used for soccer, track and field, and football, A&M-Victoria's Health and Wellness Center, VISD’s Victoria Fine Arts Center, Faith Family Church, and Victoria College’s Fitness Center used for Soccer events.
        5. Campus laboratories that have in their bounds compressed gas cylinders, flammable organic solvents, flammable liquids, or unstable (reactive) chemicals.
        6. The Health & Wellness Center (medical/workout facility).
        7. Athletic practice fields whenever University Athletics is holding practice for soccer, baseball, and
        8. Athletic game fields whenever University Athletics is holding athletic games for soccer, baseball, and
        9. Polling Places hosting local, state, or national
        10. Premises where formal administrative hearings/investigations are being conducted.
        11. Areas where contractual or licensing obligations require the exclusion of firearms.

5.3.2 Any premises where the university, as directed or approved by the president as necessary for campus safety, gives effective notice on a temporary basis pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code. For this rule, the term “owner of the property” in Section 30.06(b), Penal Code, means the president of the university. No university employee is “someone with apparent authority to act for the owner” for purposes of Section 30.06(b), Penal Code. All notices under Section 30.06, Penal Code, will be institutional notices, conform to Section 46.03, Penal Code, and apply equally to all handgun license holders.

  1. At all premises where concealed carry is prohibited, A&M-Victoria must give effective notice under Section 30.06, Penal Code.

Related Statues, Policies, or Requirements

Texas Government Code, Chapter 411

Texas Penal Code Section 30.06

Texas Penal Code Section 30.07

Texas Penal Code, Section 46.03

System Regulation 34.06.02, Weapons

Appendix

Texas Statutory Prohibitions

Contact Office

Emergency Management Office
(361) 570-4245

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