Concealed Guns Restricted in Lege Galleries

by: Michael Hurta

Tue Apr 21, 2009 at 00:15 PM CDT

Signs citing a section of the Texas Penal Code dealing with concealed handgun licenses were posted recently next to the metal detectors around the entrance to the House and Senate galleries. Though guns are currently banned from the galleries of the House and Senate, the House Committee on Public Safety recently passed a bill that would allow citizens to carry concealed handguns on college campuses.

State troopers outside the galleries stop people with concealed weapons from entering. Tela Mange, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety, said the signs were posted at the request of the House and Senate, but she was unsure how long ago they were placed there.

Why would these signs be posted?  Quite frankly, someone must know what can happen if a constituent with a gun becomes angry at his least favorite legislator, who could give disagreeable speeches.  Usually, Texans will respect each others' safety.  But what about that one guy?  Things can get dangerous.

Hopefully, the legislators realize that the same problem can exist in even the best schools of Texas.  If HB 1893 passes and concealed guns are allowed on campuses, a hypocrisy will be revealed that will put light upon legislators that worry more about their own safety than those of this state's students.