Weapons on Campus

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Possession of real and facsimile/fake weapons on campus is strictly governed by Texas state law and University of Texas institutional rules. Those wishing to possess, display, or use facsimile/fake firearms or other weapons on the campus must obtain prior written approval from the Office of the Dean of Students.

As of Aug. 1, 2016, Texas Senate Bill 11 allows persons with a valid Texas Concealed Handgun License to carry a concealed firearm into most university buildings. The firearm must remain concealed, and there are some limitations on the venues in which a firearm may be brought. More information can be found in the Texas Penal Code and the University of Texas Campus Carry website, both of which are linked below:

Texas Penal Code, Title 10, Chapter 46 (Weapons)

www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.46.htm

University of Texas at Austin Campus Carry

campuscarry.utexas.edu

The possession of an illegal knife or other prohibited weapon on the grounds of an educational institution is a third-degree felony in Texas. You should always follow safety protocols if you see an armed individual.

Any of the following items, unless the item is registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or otherwise not subject to that registration requirement or unless the item is classified as a curio or relic by the United States Department of Justice:

  • an explosive weapon
  • a machine gun
  • a short-barrel firearm
  • location-restricted knife
  • armor-piercing ammunition
  • a chemical dispensing device:  Meaning a device, other than a small chemical dispenser sold commercially for personal protection, that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of dispensing a substance capable of causing an adverse psychological or physiological effect on a human being 
  • a zip gun
  • a tire deflation device
  • a firearm silencer:  Unless the firearm silencer is classified as a curio or relic by the United States Department of Justice or the actor otherwise possesses, manufactures, transports, repairs, or sells the firearm silencer in compliance with federal law