Texas: Once Again, Campus Carry Not On Call For Third Special Session - Elected Officials Weigh In With Governor Perry

This week, Texas Land Commissioner and author of Texas’ “Right to Carry” law Jerry Patterson (R) posted a letter on his website and Facebook page urging Governor Rick Perry (R) to add legislation allowing law-abiding adult Concealed Handgun Licensees (CHLs) to protect themselves on college and university campuses to the call of the third special session.  Patterson stated:

“We’re not talking about classrooms full of angry gun-toting kids upset about their grades. We are talking about a fundamental, God-given natural right, that should not be abridged based upon some silly belief that rights are somehow contingent upon the location where you choose to exercise them. Signs and policies that mandate so called gun free zones ostensibly for the sake of safety instead create target-rich environments for the twisted criminal mind.  The time to pass Campus Carry is now.  I respectfully request you place it on the call.” 

You can “LIKE” and “SHARE” this message by visiting his Facebook Page here or his website here.

Late last week, state Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) sent out this poll asking voters to weigh in with their thoughts on what issues – including “Gun Rights” – should be addressed in the current special session.  He also released this video pleading with Governor Perry to add a number of issue items, including campus personal protection, to the call.

Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst (R) had also included campus carry in a list of items he requested Governor Perry to include for consideration back during the first special session, which was called immediately after the state Legislature had adjourned sine die from its regular session.  To view his letter, click here.  Senator Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury), sponsor of the Campus Personal Protection Act, has faithfully written the Governor at the advent of every special session called so far and asked that his measure be included for consideration while state lawmakers spend their summer in Austin.  To view, click here.

It remains to be seen whether state lawmakers can resolve their differences over a transportation bill, the failure of which caused the Governor to bring them back for a third month in a row, and whether Governor Perry would then add more items to the call, including legislation that is critical to your right to self-defense.