Lawmakers in Texas have given initial approval to permit concealed weapons inside of college classrooms in the state, officials say.
CBS News reports that, despite the efforts of Democrats, the measure was approved:
The legislation, one of the two major gun rights bills of the session, had appeared destined to fail, with more than 100 amendments lined up in a Democratic effort to kill it.
But then Democrats abruptly dropped the amendments about 25 minutes before the deadline, and the chamber's large Republican majority forced a vote, approving the measure 101-47.
According to CBS News, supporters of the initiative—like the National Rifle Association—say it will serve as a means of protection in the event of active shooter situations. Unsurprisingly, that perspective has been met with opposition:
Campuses are not crime-free zones, said Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Tomball, who sponsored the bill in the House.
The bill has faced fierce opposition from gun control advocates and influential law enforcement and higher education officials, most notably the University of Texas System and Chancellor William McRaven, the former Navy SEAL who spearheaded the commando raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
McRaven has told lawmakers that allowing concealed weapons could make campuses less safe, intimidate students and teachers and stifle free speech.
[via CBS News]
