Texas Legislature holding hearing on college campus weapons bill

from DallasNews.com

Could a campus shooting be stopped by a student carrying a gun? A public hearing on a bill that would allow licensed concealed gun carriers to take their weapons to college is scheduled for today.

- Proponents say that if students and instructors were armed it could cause would-be killers to rethink their plans. And if someone did open fire, there would be others around to stop the shooter before police could arrive.

- Opponents say students and faculty will live in fear of classmates and colleagues, not knowing who might pull a gun over a drunken dorm argument or a poor grade.

- According to the Brady Campaign Against Gun Violence, similar bills have been filed in 18 states since 2008 and all have failed.

- Texas is one of seven states currently considering legislation.

- Of the 150 House members, 70 support the bill, and 12 of 31 senators have signed in support.