AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate has begun debate on a bill allowing concealed handguns into college buildings and classrooms.

The bill lets Texas concealed handgun license holders, who must be 21 years old and pass a training course, bring their weapons on campus.

The measure has met stiff resistance from higher education officials. Supporters call it a key gun rights issue and critical
self-defense measure.

Texas would become the second state, following Utah, to pass such a broad-based law. Colorado gives colleges the option and several have allowed handguns.