Texas concealed-carry law moving forward

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AUSTIN, Texas, April 10 (UPI) -- A proposed law in Texas that would allow residents to carry concealed handguns onto state university campuses is gaining momentum, an activist says.

Marsha McCartney, North Texas Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence president, said the proposed law from state Rep. Joe Driver has the unofficial support of 76 Texas House of Representatives members, the San Antonio (Texas) Express-News said Friday.

McCartney noted that the House Public Safety Committee has passed the measure, which would make it illegal for public universities to prevent individuals with concealed-handgun licenses from carrying handguns on campus.

"State after state after state have said no to it … and this committee just chose to ignore them," McCartney said in reference to the concealed-carry proposal. "I'm not usually surprised about what goes on in Austin, but I am terribly disappointed."

Under the proposed legislation, schools that are private could prevent people from carrying handguns on campus, The Express-News said.

A House debate on the matter has yet to be scheduled.