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Senate Approves Concealed Guns At Texas Public Colleges

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R)

The Texas Senate has approved allowing license holders to carry concealed handguns on public college campuses — but included a caveat that lets college presidents designate "gun-free zones."

Senators voted NN-NN Saturday to approve the measure. House passage expected Sunday sends it to Gov. Greg Abbott to be signed into law.

The so-called "campus carry" bill was a priority for gun rights activists, even though top universities statewide opposed it.

Both chambers previously passed their own versions of the bill, and a weekend agreement between House and Senate negotiators set up final approval.

Opponents won the concession of gun-free zones, though college presidents won't be able to ban handguns on entire campuses.

In order to obtain a concealed-carry license, Texans must be 21 — meaning many college students won't qualify.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.