At College of the Mainland, we are committed to balancing the legal rights of license
holders with the safety of our educational environment. Effective August 1, 2017,
Texas Senate Bill 11 (commonly known as "Campus Carry") allows individuals with a
valid License to Carry (LTC) to carry a concealed handgun on the campuses of public
community colleges as long as the weapon is not visible.
Concealed Means Concealed
Handguns must be on or about the license holder's person and must be concealed from
view at all times.
LTC Requirement
You must possess a valid Texas License to Carry (or a recognized reciprocal state
license) to carry on campus.
Storage
Handguns must be stored in a locked, privately owned or leased motor vehicle when
not being carried by the LTC holder.
Open carry remains strictly prohibited on all COM properties.
Exclusion Zones (Gun-Free Areas)
Permanent Gun Free Zones:
Testing Center in Building #2– COM Main Campus
COM Learning Center – League City East
Temporary Gun-Free Zones:
A temporary gun-free zone is a building, room, or area that meets the requirements
of a gun-free zone periodically when a specific event occurs so as to make it a gun
free zone for that period of time. The following shall be temporary gun-free zones
for the period of time they meet the above requirements:
Religious Places
Polling Places: Any location designated as an official polling site on the day of an election.
Board Meetings: The Board Meeting Room shall not be a gun-free zone if individuals are permitted
to carry a handgun or other firearm during meetings pursuant to written regulations
or written authorization by the Board in accordance with law.
High School Classrooms: Areas specifically designated for high school instruction or dual-credit programs.
Competitive Events: Designated areas where interscholastic or sanctioned sporting events are taking place.
Compliance & Enforcement
Reporting: If you see an exposed firearm or witness a violation of campus carry policies, contact
COM Police immediately.
Violations: Failure to comply with the rules set forth in the COM Campus Carry policy may result
in campus disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.
Persons who are a Licensed to Carry (LTC) holder may carry a concealed handgun on
campus. Any commissioned peace officer may carry a weapon on campus. Peace officers
will also display a badge near their weapon.
Under concealed carry, no person should notice that the person is carrying a gun.
The outline of a gun should not be visible through their clothing or bag. Only concealed
carry is permitted on campus. Open carry enables the visible carrying of a gun. Open
carry is not permitted on campus.
Yes, individuals legally storing a handgun in their personal vehicle, according
to Texas law is permitted in the college’s parking lots.
Only handguns are permitted. Handguns are any firearm that is designed, made, or
adapted to be fired with one hand.
A person with a License to Carry (LTC) may carry a gun anywhere on campus except
in those areas declared as Gun Free Zones. Gun-free zones are indicated by signs conspicuously
placed at the entrance. Some areas may be temporary Gun Free Zones, depending on the
type of activity to be held in the building.
The primary responsibility for enforcement lies with law enforcement. If you see
someone carrying a handgun on campus, the safest course of action is to call Campus
Police at 409-933-8599. The Campus Police will make contact with the individual.
No. The mere act of a licensed holder carrying a concealed handgun is not in and
of itself a disruption of class activity. Likewise, another person’s adverse reaction
to someone carrying a concealed handgun is not grounds for removing that person from
the classroom.
No. All Gun Free Zones will be designated by the College of the Mainland President.
No. This information is not a matter of public record.
The handgun must be on or about the person, which means the gun could be in a holster,
purse, backpack, or other item. “On or about” means actual care, custody, control
or management of a firearm. Lockers, cabinets, closets, and furnishings are property
of the College and shall not be used to store a handgun. LTC holders have sole responsibility
to secure their firearms in a manner compliant with the law.
A person who is licensed to carry may carry a concealed handgun while walking on
campus. Open carry is not permitted on campus.
Yes. If a police officer reasonably believes a person is presenting a risk, the
officer may disarm the individual.
A weapon may be used in self-defense as permitted by law. Any employee who is not
required to carry a firearm as part of their specific assigned duties with the College,
but who carries a concealed weapon as an LTC holder, does so outside the scope of
the duties and responsibilities of their employment with the College. Any person taking
such action is to do so as a private citizen and is not serving as an authorized agent
of the College of the Mainland.
No. There are some exceptions that can be found in Texas Government Code 411.172.
Campus Carry only pertains to the carrying of concealed handguns by LTC holders
on the campus of COM as well as any properties owned, leased or rented by COM, including
any campuses that may be established in the future. However, any students or employees
participating in College of the Mainland-sponsored events will still be required to
follow the policies and rules of the College of the Mainland, including Campus Carry.
Your location would determine whether open carry is legal. If you encounter a situation
at a College of the Mainland-sponsored event that makes you uncomfortable, you should
speak with the COM staff member.
No. The college will not track LTC (license to carry) holders.
Concealed handguns are not allowed in Gun Free Zones. College of the Mainland has
two (2) types of Gun Free Zones – permanent and temporary.
Individuals with a license to carry held in other states may be able to carry in
Texas. The link to the DPS website listing agreements with other states is: www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/LTC/Legal/Reciprocity/index.htm. While in Texas, you must follow the Texas laws for carrying a concealed handgun, including
those under Campus Carry laws and campus policies.
Have questions about where you can or cannot carry?
