New Bills Will Affect Campus Security at Baylor and Other Schools

New Bills Will Affect Campus Security at Baylor and Other Schools

A campus carry bill and a police transparency bill were recently passed by the Legislature

Two recent bills signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbot may have implications for Texas universities, according to a report. Law SB 308 requires police at private institutions to abide by state public information rules all police departments must follow in releasing records relate to law enforcement activities.

The governor has also pledged to give his signature to SB 11, a campus carry bill that allows concealed handgun license holders to carry their weapons in campus facilities at public colleges and universities, but private institutions may opt out of the measure. Some last-minute amendments were added, allowing colleges to declare gun-free zones on campus and ban concealed weapons at sporting events.

Community colleges have until August 2017 to comply with the legislation, allowing the colleges to adopt policies for maintaining safety in the event that a number of students decide to carry weapons.

“We want to be fair, we want to follow the law,” said McLennan Community College President Johnette McKown. “We would’ve chosen and preferred not to have something else like this to deal with . . . but if that’s the law, that’s what we’re going to do and we’re just going to do a thorough job of reviewing this and making good decisions (for the campus).”

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

Featured

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.