Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Open Carry and Campus Carry?
Open Carry:
According to Texas Penal Code sections 46.03 & 46.035, concealed handgun license holders (CHL) may now visibly carry their handguns visibly in a waist belt holster or a shoulder holster. However, when it comes to institutions of higher education, House Bill 910 clearly prohibits the open carry of a handgun.
Campus Carry:
Senate Bill 910 mandates the following:
A license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the campus of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education in this state.
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/pdf/HB00910F.pdf#navpanes=0
Is Open Carry permitted on either the MCC main campus, Emergency Services Education Center, or the Highlander Ranch?
By law, open carry is not permitted by a license holder regardless of whether the handgun is holstered:
- On the premises of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education,
- On any public or private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage or other parking area of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education, or
- By an individual who is acting as a personal protection officer under Chapter 1702, Occupations Code and is not wearing a uniform.
Therefore, it is a violation of Texas law to open carry a handgun on any of the MCC campus locations.
When does this law and the MCC policy take effect?
The law mandates that this policy must be in effect as of August 1, 2017.
How will one know where they can and cannot carry a concealed handgun on campus?
In accordance with the law, signs will be conspicuously posted and visible to the public and will be in both English and Spanish notifying people where concealed handguns are not allowed. In addition, the policy regarding MCC's Campus Carry rules will be posted prominently on MCC's website.
Can departments or classrooms be declared "gun-free" zones?
No. All MCC faculty, staff, and students will follow the MCC policy, and no individual is permitted to establish their own rules regarding concealed handguns that does not comply with MCC policy and the Texas law.
Will people have the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns before the policy is developed?
Yes. The Campus Carry Committee welcomes and invites input into the development of this new policy through the following two means of communication:
- A survey link will be provided to allow all who are interested to post their thoughts and suggestions, and it will be posted on the Campus Carry page. Those thoughts and suggestions will be collected by the Campus Carry committee members to be included in the policy decision-making.
- Three forums will be hosted to give people a chance to ask questions and offer suggestions. There will be a student forum, an MCC employee forum, and a public forum allowing each stakeholder an opportunity to get more information and give suggestions. Check the MCC Calendar for posted dates and times.