The Texas Senate pumped life Wednesday into legislation that would allow concealed handguns on Texas college campuses, approving its version of the bill 20-11.
State Sen. Steve Ogden, a Bryan Republican, voted against the legislation, according to a spokeswoman. Ogden said this month that he did not believe enough votes existed in the Senate for the bill to pass. The spokeswoman said he was not available for comment Wednesday.
Now proponents of the legislation will try to push it through the House. They believe the support exists, but the legislative session ends June 1.
"I think the chances are better than not that it will pass [the House], but it's going to be a race to the deadline," said state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, who championed the Senate version. "This doesn't surprise me. ... It makes good sense."
Bryan Rep. Fred Brown declined to take a stance on the legislation. He said he didn't believe the bill would make it to the House floor.
"There's not this overwhelming push on the House side to get it to the floor," he said.
Proponents said their major hurdle is simply getting a full vote in the House. As of Wednesday night, 75 of 150 representatives had signed on as authors or co-authors of the bill. Proponents said others didn't want to attach their names but would support it in a vote.
Texas A&M University and Blinn College officials have not taken a position on the legislation, but administrations, faculty senates and student bodies statewide have voiced opposition. At Texas A&M, about 83 percent of 1,200 or so faculty members who responded to a recent survey opposed the legislation, said Robert Bednarz, speaker of the faculty senate.
The professor said that the Legislature has generally been supportive of keeping guns out of the workplace but that for him and others, the campus is their workplace. He worries about being alone with students in his office when he has to give them uncomfortable information, such as alerting them that they are failing.
"[Or] when associate deans have to tell a student they have to be suspended, or when a student appeals and their appeal is denied. Those are very emotional time periods, and those are relatively young people," Bednarz said. "Those are things we have to be concerned about."
The bill would allow students 21 or older with a concealed handgun license to carry guns on public college campuses. It would permit private institutions to be exempt if they chose.
Supporters, including groups such as the National Rifle Association and Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, say the legislation would reinforce the Second Amendment by eliminating the "invisible boundaries" of a college campus.
Opponents say it would make campuses more dangerous, with the potential for common disputes over grades, romances and fraternity rivalries to become deadly.
Wentworth said he introduced the legislation in the Senate to prevent a massacre such as the one at Virginia Tech from happening in Texas.
34 comment(s) found!
Posted by:
On:
Monday, May 25, 2009 1:30 AM
Comment Title:
Liberal Rep Steven Ogden, Texas senator needs removed before he can do anymore damage to the GOP/republicans in Texas.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 11:35 PM
Comment Title:
Latest Bryan Joke: Aggie students will learn to read. Then they will run to Bryan. Now called a no crime safe zone city. After this they will be sitting ducks for the Bryan slum and Projects gangsters. Then the AM/CS basher from Bryan will become slum Lord of the Bryan ghettos. THE END
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Posted by:
Proteus On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 10:47 PM
Comment Title: Latest Aggie Joke?
If students at Texas universities start bringing their guns to class, it will make national headlines and do nothing but sully the reputation of the state. The best and the brightest students and faculty will go elsewhere, and our state universities will suffer a huge loss of prestige and respect nationwide. This will do nothing but hurt our state and our local community.
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Posted by:
Rocky Patel Brazos county--- DEM On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 8:11 PM
Comment Title:
"The bill will be defeated, it's going to die in committee."---You need to check with the TX House it will be voted on next week. Both parties have co-authored it in the house 75 of them. Also you can carry a gun at Texas Colleges with a CHL you just cannot go into a building. Odgen is a Liberal no matter what party he is in. You have Conservative people in both the DEM-REP parties. We have conservative Democrats in Austin with cleaner tax and spend records and anti gun-control records than Ogden. Ogden is just a Liberal republican get over it. Next time vote for a conservative Democrat or republican.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 5:05 PM
Comment Title:
To the RNC member who is embarrassed by Sen. Ogden's vote, how is he "anti-freedom"? How are liberal democrats "guaranteeing slaughter zones"? You see, this is how the republican party works. Fear. It was obnoxiously successful in 2002 and 2004. However, the last two election cycles have proven this tactic as a lazied attempt to win over a national electorate. So you can continue saying that liberal democrats are coming for your guns, that they're not going to protect your family, etc., but you're just doing more damage to your party. There is absolutely no logical reason for students to carry guns on campus. The bill will be defeated, it's going to die in committee.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 1:41 PM
Comment Title: Bottom 11 TX senator on Empower Texas Fiscal responsibility index
Ogden 5 R 30.00% Watson 14 D 25.00% Hinojosa 20 D 23.08% Zaffirini 21 D 23.08% Van de Putte 26 D 23.08% Gallegos 6 D 22.22% Shapleigh 29 D 21.43% Ellis 13 D 16.67% Whitmire 15 D 16.67% Uresti 19 D 16.67% Lucio 27 D 16.67%-- THE BOTTOM 11 Worst FISCAL SPENDERS----Most of these are the same Demarcates-Ogden supported with his vote on your money in the past and now your freedom and Guns.-See EmpowerTexas web-site.
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Posted by:
Turn coat Ogden Past Supporter On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 12:24 PM
Comment Title: Recall Ogden
Turn coat Ogden was working to place more restriction on a bill that would allow employees to lawfully store firearms in their locked motor vehicles while parked at work . Read the Texas Senate records online. Different subject Also check out his new tax and spend ideas.
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Posted by:
Mark B. On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 12:09 PM
Comment Title: Ogden won't be getting my vote
I have no use for any politician who tries to take away my capability to defend myself & my family, while raising our taxes at the same time. The police are good protection if they just so happen to be there at the exact moment some criminal decides to threaten you with his (illegally bought & carried) gun, but cops are among the first to admit those moments are as rare as a free lunch. The simple fact is 99.9% of the time cops can not be there to help you when the blood hits the fan. You have to be capable of defending yourself, which means you need to be armed. A typical criminal isn't going to ask you nicely to submit to an assault & hand over your wallet. We don't need an over-taxing police state taking away our right to carry a weapon for self-defense. So buh-bye RINO Senator Steve Ogden, it wasn't nice knowing you.
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Posted by:
RNC Member Embarrassed by Odgen On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 11:53 AM
Comment Title: Benedict Arnold
Guaranteed slaughter zones is what Liberal anti-Gun and anti-freedom Senator Ogden voted for with his Democrat associates. This anti-self protection vote is now a wake up call for Dist-5 voting republicans. We know now what he is and may need to stop Ogden before he could push more rejection of the new Texas Republican party plank. We now have to worry about what other Parts of the Texas Republican party and Nation Republican party he rejects and has been working against. He still has a few more days of voting to go in Austin and Ogden could do more damage to the GOP of Texas. Possible at the National level. We may need to call other GOP Senators to stop him and some of his bills that he supports. We all need to investigate what he is doing in our name now.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 4:36 AM
Comment Title: Makes sense addendum
being 21 is no magic tonic for wisdom. Check the local bars at Northgate if you need convincing. And see how many people under 21 you spot while you are at it. Any rules that are established for those 21 or over will quickly be broken by those under 21. Just the way it is. Kids are kids. Give one an inch, and they will all take an inch. Or a millimeter.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 4:32 AM
Comment Title: Makes sense...
It makes sense not to allow college students to carry concealed weapons on campuses. I can think of no reason why they would need to do so. I can think of no reason supporting safety needs on campuses that gun-toting students would make better. Students enter universities at the age of 18 or 19. I would not like to imagine campuses with few or many 18, 19, or 20 year olds carrying weapons around campuses in Texas. Common sense and awareness can help people avoid problems. Most people this young lack the sensibilities necessary to shoulder the responsibilities associated with carrying weapons. When Texas A&M and other universities regress to a Wild West environment, students will not be enrolling anyway. None of this makes any sense. Ogden voted intelligently and did not join the sheep.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, May 23, 2009 2:01 AM
Comment Title:
It seems to me the people who will be most affected by the passage of this bill (professors, adjunct instructors, administrators, police officers) are the people who are against it. I will not feel the least bit comfortable knowing that anyone on campus may be carrying a gun in their backpack or under their jacket. This isn't a liberal/conservative issue, it's just knowing when guns are appropriate.
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Posted by:
NRA-Person On:
Friday, May 22, 2009 3:49 PM
Comment Title:
We need to make sure that Steve Odgen's issues with NRA members and gun owners in his district especially the ones that come into contact with him in the Bryan College Station areas area addressed. His office has been for the most part is rude with NRA members and seemed insulted that NRA members were even contacting them for the past several months now. He also has tried to place more restriction on Bill SB-730 a bill that would allow employees to lawfully store firearms in their locked motor vehicles while parked at work. His duck and dodge vote on 5-19-09 and his vote against concealed carry on campuses on the 20th is a result of arm twisting of local Liberal A&M professors. These same professors have used similar tactics on other issues in this area.{Smoking in Bars, land development in this area ETC.} These liberals come and go all the time at TAMU at this moment we have a pack of them in A/M working together in large numbers. They do not make up the Normal long term of Voters in this area. The also do not support and vote for Republicans. Ogden and his Liberal friends need stopped at the next election before he can inflict his gun free zones for sitting ducks on us at the federal level.
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Posted by:
Ogden Arrogant and Rude office staff. Bryan and Austin On:
Friday, May 22, 2009 12:34 PM
Comment Title: Does this come from the boss? Can Ogden not control is staff?
Sen. Steve Ogden office appears to have a God like complex of Rude Arrogance and some Staff have been reflection it. This is not all the time just most of the time over 9 Years. He does have a friendly younger sounding staff person in BCS sometimes over the years. I never have had this experience with any other US and Texas Representative of any parties. I have found current Rep Brown office and Dem US house Edwards office to be friendly 100% of the time.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, May 22, 2009 10:52 AM
Comment Title: To "vote Ogden out"
You are right I did not read the bill and if sports events are excluded, I agree with you and will vote Ogden out. Thanks for enlightening me.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, May 22, 2009 2:31 AM
Comment Title:
Agree DT. No mass shooting at a Gun show, NRA events, shooting ranges and gun stores. Does not happen. Thousands of Gun and no Crime.
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Posted by:
DT On:
Friday, May 22, 2009 1:25 AM
Comment Title: MayIButtIn?
Look at the facts. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/guns.htm Gun related crimes are way down over the last decade. In 1985 only 8 states had right to carry laws compared to 35 today. In the United States from 1977 to 1999 on average, states that adopt right-to-carry laws experience a 60% drop in the rate of attacks, and a 78% drop in the rates at which people are killed or injured from such attacks. More guns equals less crime. Every time, every where.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, May 22, 2009 1:14 AM
Comment Title:
Deserve better? You cannot honestly think that allowing students to take their guns onto a university campus is making Texas universities and colleges better.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, May 22, 2009 12:38 AM
Comment Title:
We need to let Senator Ogden know that Texas deserve better.
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Posted by:
On:
Friday, May 22, 2009 12:11 AM
Comment Title: Wise up, guns on campuses is an awful idea
You have got to be kidding me? You people have taken the second amendment and raped it for everything it's worth. If it's okay to take a gun onto campus, then is it okay to take a gun to your work place? Or how about an Aggie basketball game? What about taking your gun to the Toyota Center? What about teachers taking a gun to their elementary school campus? This isn't a republican/democratic issue, it's called common freaking sense. Absolutely insane that this bill would pass. No surprise from the Texas house, though, didn't they just pass an education bill saying the earth was 6,000 years old?
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Posted by:
NRA-Member and family of voters in this area since 1873. On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 11:32 PM
Comment Title: It is not all Bad for freedom lovers.and non criminal Texas residents.
Liberal Gun control Tx. Senator Ogden Will find it Impossible to get elected at any higher Level after this anti-freedom and self protection vote. Ill. Obama, Ca.Pelosi,Ca.Feinston, Ny.Clinton Ny.Schumer and Mas. Kenndy will love him. He will not make it out of the primary. His opponents will use this against him. Maybe it is a good thing he did this before he could inflict rejection of the new Texas Republican platform on other in America. This platform was voted on by Texas GOP voters {This was part of It} He will also will not be able to inflict his anti Gun ideas and Gun free zones on all Americans. The only thing now we have to worry about is what other Parts of the Texas Republican party and Nation Republican party he rejects. We know now he Loves sitting ducks and helpless crime victims.
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Posted by:
Ogden and Obama Two people My family will not support. On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 7:08 PM
Comment Title: Two great control people also
Liberal Senator Ogden is also in support of the Obama stimulus money. "The Reason I Voted for SB 1569 Texas and Texans lost almost 200,000 jobs over the last six months--46,000 in the last month alone. Improving unemployment benefits could be a lifesaver for thousands of Texans and their families. Recently, I voted to increase the number of Texans eligible for unemployment benefits and accept $550 million from the federal government. This will help Texas and won't hurt Texas employers"--- SteveOgdenHome.org-------------------------------Governor Rick Perry During these tough economic times, Texas employers are working harder than ever to move products to market, make payroll and create jobs. The last thing they need right now is government burdening them with higher taxes and expanded obligations. That is exactly what the unemployment insurance stipulations in the new federal stimulus bill will do, ultimately increasing the burden borne by Texas employers and directly affecting the people they hire (and those they won't be able to hire as a result). On Thursday, after thoughtful and thorough review of the federal stimulus legislation, I stood up for Texas employers and the millions of Texans they employ to express my resistance toward further government intrusion into their lives by opposing the federal government's push to expand our state's unemployment insurance program. In recent weeks, I have heard from hundreds of Texans on this issue. Most of those who have written share my belief that this particular part of the stimulus package is wrong for Texas. They share the sentiment echoed by a Katy employer who says: "Texans would be exchanging a short-term relief package for a long-term burden. Think of it as a payday loan with usurious rates to be paid by employers — one which would never be paid in full." I couldn't agree more, and am deeply concerned about the belief taking hold across our country that thinks the best and only way to solve our nation's problems is to drown them with taxpayer dollars without considering the consequences. This belief is deeply troubling and, quite frankly, irresponsible. Changing the terms of Texas' unemployment program will not only cause employers to change their hiring practices, it will also increase their tax burden for years to come, leading to higher-priced products and hindering their ability to overcome the current economic challenges. As governor, I represent all of our citizens: Texas workers, the employers who create their jobs as well as those folks who are looking for work. I want all Texans to be confident that our current unemployment system stands ready to help in times of need. In fact, Texas recently accepted stimulus funds — with no strings attached — that will provide additional unemployment benefits through the end of this year. A Sulphur Springs resident who once lost his job and was unable to find work for more than a year recently wrote to me saying, "I know what (unemployment) is like — I've been there and I still think limits are a good thing." Unfortunately, the limits needed in this legislation are lacking. Never before has the federal government taken such efforts to micromanage the way states spend their funds or structure their programs. I cannot in good conscience allow these strings to tie down Texas employers who create jobs. By freeing up employers to succeed in the marketplace, Texas has also freed them to create the million-plus jobs our state has gained in the past six years alone. We cannot abandon the proven practices that brought Texas to the forefront of the national economy. As governor of this great state, I will not permit the strings attached to these funds to strangle an economy that leads the nation in exports and Fortune 500 companies, and created 80 percent of the jobs in the United States in 2008. Because Texans prefer a paycheck over an unemployment check, we will hold fast to our principles of limited government and responsible spending and continue to cultivate an economic climate that decreases burdens on employers, attracts investment and creates jobs for Texans. This will give our state the best chance to succeed in the months and years to come. Email this page----------
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Posted by:
Votes with liberals Demarcates because he is a Liberal. On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 6:55 PM
Comment Title: VOTE Ogden out!!!
"The comments abusing Ogden as a turncoat etc are out of line"---Read the bill, sports events are excluded. Now do it. "it would get my vote and perhaps reconsideration by Mr. Ogden."
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 5:14 PM
Comment Title:
The comments abusing Ogden as a turncoat etc are out of line. Ogden voted his conscious and I happen to agree that party lines should not be used in place of thought. I am convinced Ogden sees the danger guns, even legal guns, could cause in the heat of a sports event. For that reason I would also oppose this bill. If the bill excluded sports facilities during events then it would get my vote and perhaps reconsideration by Mr. Ogden.
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Posted by:
On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 5:08 PM
Comment Title: Ogden got a math problem
It passed the Senate 20-11 not even close, why would he think not enough votes existed. Bad quote, bad math or not paying attention. Let's hope for bad quote!
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Posted by:
“Gunfreezones" Do not work Sen. Ogden. On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 3:57 PM
Comment Title:
Ted Nugent also a Texas Peace Officer has pointed out It is Ted Kennedy’s gun ban dream of “Ted Nugent also a Texas Peace Officer has pointed out It is Ted Kennedy’s gun ban dream of “gunfreezones” that have proven to be the guaranteed slaughter zones where the most innocent lives are lost every time. Think Columbine, Virginia Tech, Lane Bryant, Northwest Illinois University, New Jersey, Salt Lake City and Omaha Malls, Luby’s Cafeteria, Calgary University, Toronto, Washington DC, Chicago, Boston, Flight 93, the mayor's office in San Francisco, ad nauseum. Sen. Ogden Needs to remember that Liberal Dem teachers do not vote for any Republican at anytime” that have proven to be the guaranteed slaughter zones where the most innocent lives are lost every time. Think Columbine, Virginia Tech, Lane Bryant, Northwest Illinois University, New Jersey, Salt Lake City and Omaha Malls, Luby’s Cafeteria, Calgary University, Toronto, Washington DC, Chicago, Boston, Flight 93, the mayor's office in San Francisco, ad nauseum. Sen. Ogden Needs to remember that Liberal Dem teachers do not vote for any Republican at anytime
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Posted by:
Proud CHL On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 2:17 PM
Comment Title: Bill passes Senate
Thank God! I cant understand all those who are against it. Why would you want to partake in the sitting duck syndrome? I for one at least want a fighting chance in an active shooter situation.
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Posted by:
Judy Franklin On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:05 PM
Comment Title: Going under
Senator Odgen's support of the Francise tax where it is based on gross receipts instead of net profits has cost my company dearly. We have had no choice but to start laying off employees with families. And in these tough economic times who knows what is in store for their future or my business. He took an 18 year business and flushed it down his toilet. Now in these times of high crimes he also wants to leave us defenseless as we walk on college campuses, for which I am a contractor. Senator Ogden when are you going to realize criminals don't sign up to get concealed carry or buy guns any way. You are keeping honest law abiding citizens from their second amendment rights. This will leave only the criminals who are not going to tel you anyway the ability to be armed. FORGET MY VOTE. I WILL DEFINITELY BE CAMPAIGNING AGAINST YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you have to go out and try to find a job in this type of economy.
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Posted by:
Jay-Navasota On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 11:36 AM
Comment Title: A Democrat dressed as a Republican.
Sen. Ogden can forget about running for a federal position as a republican. His Tax plan on small business{franchise tax} that he supported and now Pro gun control. He would not make it out of the Primary before his opponents would smack-em him down.
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Posted by:
John On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 11:32 AM
Comment Title: Sen. Ogden doesn't care about my security
Or yours. He cares about what A&M Administration thinks, and he cares about what big donors to the University (and to his campaign) think. I simply want the right to make personal security decisions for myself. I'm bearing the responsibility/liability of carrying a gun with a CHL. University lawyers would take away that choice, to protect themselves from perceived liability. But the University provides no real security in return, except the rhetoric of campus buildings being "gun free zones".
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Posted by:
We need more liberals like him in the senate. On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 11:05 AM
Comment Title: SEN. OGDEN TEXAS Good for gun-control
Some of us would wish to thank Senator Ogden for supporting gun control on 5-20-09. By joining 10 other Texas liberal Senators in the democratic tradition of gun control and government control of the people. He has shown he is ready to support Pres. Obama. Now he should consider switching parties and becoming a Texas Democrat in the Senate since he votes like one already.
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Posted by:
Republican BCS On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:51 AM
Comment Title: Turncoat-Going with the Dem. Liberal winds in DC
Sen Ogden did not vote on this 5-19-09. He was in the Senate for roll call. He was to busy to vote. Ogden was the ONLY TX Senator to busy to vote. On 5-20-09 he did vote against with other liberal Democrats.. Ogden was one of 11 in the whole state. This is a State of Texas GOP platform item voted on by Texas voters. GOP members gun owners need to contact Ogden and tell him to support his Republican party and Freedom Lovers. Even US. House Dem. Chet Edwards has a A-rating from the NRA. Sen. Ogden is facing having a lower rating for his action's. Try winning a election without the support of Texas gun owners, NRA, TSRA, GOP members and freedom voters. THE NRA-ILA has already sent out one alert on Sen. Ogden last week. Maybe it is time we alert Ogden that his politico days could come to a end next election with out the support of the GOP voters, Texas gun owners, non criminal citizens and freedom loving voters. We will not be to busy to Vote you out!!
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Posted by:
Nice to see Sen Ogden voting with the few liberal Democrats On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:35 AM
Comment Title: Gun control and Ogden.
CSSB 1164 as again amended was finally passed by the following vote:iiYeasi20, Naysi11. Nays:iiAveritt, Davis, Duncan, Ellis, Gallegos, Ogden, Shapleigh, VanideiPutte, Watson, West, Zaffirini
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Posted by:
John On:
Thursday, May 21, 2009 9:34 AM
Comment Title: Concealed Carry Passes the Senate
GOOD! This legislation would extend the right of CCL folks to carry inside university building, instead of currently only being able to carry concealed outside of university buildings (i.e., on sidewalks and parking lots). It is a real farce to call the University a "gun free zone". That gives the false impression University buildings are somehow monitored to prevent the entry of guns. There is no such screening or any implied security provided by the University under current law. IT'S WIDE OPEN. Airports and federal buildings in Washington D.C. are gun free zones, not universities. Concealed carry in university buildings is an extension of a relatively successful policy. It allows licensed individuals to decide whether they want to protect themselves, and bear the responsibility and potential liability. Right now, to avoid liability, the University is taking away that choice and providing NOTHING in return.
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