Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the university doing to prepare for campus concealed carry?
A. On June 13, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law a bill (S.B. 11) allowing license holders to carry concealed handguns on public university campuses in the state of Texas. The legislation, which goes into effect August 1, 2016, provides an opportunity for individual campuses to develop rules, policies and practices associated with the law’s implementation. Included in the law is the opportunity for campuses to identify gun- free exclusion areas where concealed carry will not be allowed. At UTEP, a Campus Concealed Carry Task Force was convened during the fall 2015 semester chaired by Dr. Gary Edens, Vice President for Student Affairs. Membership on the Task Force, included a broad campus cross-section of students, faculty and staff. Compared with task forces at other UT System institutions, UTEP’s is the largest and has the largest faculty representation. The Task Force was charged with identifying campus spaces where concealed handguns should be excluded; developing policies and communication strategies associated with educating the campus and visitors about the new law; and recommending safety and enforcement practices that will ensure the rights of all campus constituents. Throughout the process, the Task Force made every effort to be transparent, inclusive and diligent. A website, www.utep.edu/campuscarry, was launched in September and to date has been accessed more than 4,787 times. Feedback was also solicited through campuscarry@utep.edu which has garnered 218 emails from students, faculty and staff. Three campus forums were held at which, more than 250 members of the campus community contributed suggestions and raised concerns. Additional conversations and presentations were conducted for the Administrative Forum (comprising all department chairs, directors and executive leadership), Faculty Senate, Residence Life, Student Government Association, Deans, Assistant & Associate Deans and the College of Liberal Arts. All suggestions, recommendations and concerns were compiled and shared with Task Force members on a weekly basis. Media coverage was extensive and helped promote the open forums while simultaneously informing the local community about the law’s purpose and parameters. The task force issued a comprehensive report which identified campus spaces where concealed handguns should be excluded; outlines policies and communication strategies associated with educating faculty, staff, students and visitors about the new law; and recommends safety and enforcement practices that will ensure the rights of all campus constituents. The recommendations of the task force were supported and adopted by Dr. Natalicio and can be found at Campus CarryQ. Why does UTEP need a campus carry policy?
A. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 11 (“campus carry”), which allows for the carrying of concealed handguns on Texas public institution campuses by concealed handgun license (CHL) holders. The purpose of the campus carry policy is to provide guidance on how the law will be implemented at UTEP while maintaining the safety of our campus community.Q. When does the new law take effect?
A. Campus carry will take effect on Aug. 1, 2016.Q. How many people have a concealed handgun license in Texas?
A. As of December 31, 2014, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that of the 26.96 million Texas residents, 2.7% held a concealed handgun license. Of the 2.7% License holders in Texas, less than ½ of 1% reside in El Paso County and are able to carry a concealed handgun on a university campus. Reports and statistics for concealed handgun licenses can be found on the Texas Department of Public Safety website under Concealed Handgun > Reports and Statistics > Demographics.Q. Can anybody carry a handgun on a Texas public university campus when the new law takes place?
A. Campus carry is limited to concealed handgun license (CHL) holders. To obtain a concealed handgun license, a person must be 21 years old (with the exception of active duty military and police officers), meet state and federal qualifications to own a handgun and receive training from a CHL instructor that is certified by the Texas Department of Public Safety.Q. How do I obtain a CHL?
A. The Texas Department of Public Safety administers concealed handgun licenses. Visit www.txdps.state.tx.us and click on the “concealed handgun” link for more information.Q. What are the requirements to obtain a concealed handgun license in Texas
A. In general, individuals are eligible for licenses to carry concealed handguns, if they:- Are over 21 years of age;
- Have been a legal resident of the state for a six-month period preceding the application;
- Have not been convicted of a felony;
- Are not currently charged with commission of a Class A or B misdemeanor;
- Are not chemically dependent;
- Are capable of exercising sound judgment;
- Are not currently restricted under a court protective order or subject to a restraining order affecting a spousal relationship;
- Are qualified under federal and state law to purchase a handgun;
- Are current on child support payments or other monies collected by a state agency; and
- Take and pass a course that has a written test and a shooting proficiency test.