Schools should be a haven from the violence that touches so many Americans. Yet, dangerous gaps in gun-free school laws, like concealed carry exceptions, threaten the safety of children and increase students’ risk of being shot while at school. Meanwhile, the gun lobby’s efforts to force colleges and universities to allow guns on campuses pose a threat to the safety of post-secondary students and educators.

Background

The tragedies that took place at Sandy Hook,¹ Robb Elementary,² Columbine,³ Marjory Stoneman Douglas,⁴ Virginia Tech,⁵ and other schools across the United States demonstrate the devastating effect guns have on our school communities. These events leave the nation shocked and searching for solutions to make our schools a safer place for our children.

K–12 Schools

In the wake of school shootings in our elementary, middle, and high schools, the gun lobby has proposed to arm teachers and repeal gun-free school zone laws. Not only are these proposals dangerous, but there is no reason to believe such proposals will help curb those rare instances of gun violence at school.

• Teachers are not trained law enforcement officers—their purpose is to be educators and role models. Evidence suggests that teachers would likely increase, rather than decrease, students’ exposure to gun violence in schools.⁶
• There is no evidence that perpetrators of mass shootings intentionally seek out their targets based on whether or not civilians are prohibited from having guns. Most mass shooters target a specific person, group, or institution with whom they have a grievance,⁷ which is why the vast majority of school shooters are current or former students of the school.⁸
• Further, the gun lobby’s claim that “gun-free zones” invite mass shootings has been thoroughly debunked. Since 1966, the overwhelming majority—nearly 90%—of all mass shootings resulting in six or more deaths have occurred wholly or partly in locations where civilian guns were allowed or there was armed security or law enforcement present.⁹

Although school shootings bewilder our collective consciousness, schools are generally safe havens from the gun violence that is so prevalent elsewhere. Data suggests that existing laws that prohibit weapons in schools help keep students safe. One analysis found that there were nearly 14% fewer crimes committed with a firearm in gun-free school zones compared to gun-allowing zones in one city, suggesting that these gun-free zones are not being targeted for firearm crime.¹⁰ Furthermore, less than 2% of all youth homicides in the United States occur on school property.¹¹

Gun violence prevention measures for our schools should focus on educating kids and parents about the dangers of firearms and the importance of safe storage rather than on arming teachers. Studies suggest that as many as 80% of school shooters obtain guns used in their attacks from the home or the homes of relatives or friends ¹² Laws that reduce access to unsecured guns by requiring safe storage are evidence based solutions to preventing violence in our schools. For more information about the safe storage of firearms, see our summaries on Safe Storage and Child Access Prevention.

Colleges and universities

Gun violence on college and university campuses is also a growing concern in the United States. As described below, in most states, legislators or the governing bodies of higher education institutions have prohibited or significantly restricted gun possession on most or all areas of public college and university campuses.¹³ As a result of these laws, few students have access to guns on campus, ensuring that colleges and universities remain safe learning environments.

In recent years, however, many states have adopted or considered adopting legislation that would allow more guns to be brought onto college campuses. These proposals would endanger public safety and increase the risk of gun violence on school campuses.

College students are particularly vulnerable to experiencing mental health issues and are at elevated risk of suicide compared to other age ranges. Firearm access is strongly associated with increased rates of suicide,¹⁴meaning that increased access to firearms on college campuses would compound suicide risk in this already vulnerable group.

• Most college students who will ever develop mental illness will begin displaying symptoms while they are around college age,¹⁵ and many college students are experiencing pervasive shifts in their social contexts and connections, coupled with reduced structure and social support. These factors have been shown to increase suicide risk.¹⁶
• One large-scale survey of college students found that one in five college students has thought about suicide and nearly 9% have attempted suicide.¹⁷
• Data shows that hospitalizations for suicide attempts are significantly elevated for teenagers and adults under age 25.¹⁸

Interpersonal violence among college students is not uncommon¹⁹ and often worsened by alcohol use.²⁰Adding firearms into this environment could exacerbate—rather than ameliorate—the problem of violence on campus and increase its likelihood. 

• Violent crime and homicides significantly increase when states allow more people to carry loaded guns in public,²¹ and data shows that after campus carry policies took effect in Utah and Colorado, crimes committed on or near college campuses in those states increased.²²
• Alcohol use and misuse on college campuses is common. Nearly 29% of college students report engaging in binge drinking in the past month,²³ and each year, nearly 700,000 college students are physically assaulted by another student who has been drinking.²⁴ Introducing guns into these already dangerous situations could be deadly, as alcohol impairs judgment about whether or not to instigate a confrontation or fire a gun. ²⁵
• College students are more likely to be threatened with a gun if they attend college in a region where firearm ownership is higher.²⁶ 

Allowing guns on campus may also increase the risk of unintentional shootings for students and staff, which can lead to injuries when guns are fired in crowded campus spaces.

• Shortly after guns-on-campus laws went into effect, a student in Texas unintentionally fired his weapon in his dorm room.²⁷
• In Idaho, a professor unintentionally shot himself in the leg during a chemistry lab following the passage of a 2014 law that forced state colleges to allow people with enhanced permits to carry guns on campus.²⁸

Guns on campus can also alter the academic and social atmosphere of campuses.

• Polls show that gun owners and non-owners alike believe that allowing guns on campus would harm the learning atmosphere and diminish feelings of safety when having academic debates.²⁹
• Students of color and women have also expressed concerns that campus carry policies will exacerbate the intimidation and discrimination they face on campuses.³⁰

Summary of Federal Law

No federal law restricts guns on college or university campuses. Two federal laws regulate the possession of firearms in or near K–12 schools:

1)   the Gun-Free Schools Act (which requires some K–12 schools to expel students found with guns).

2)   the Gun-Free School Zones Act (which deems K–12 schools to be “gun-free zones”). However, the federal law deeming K–12 schools to be gun-free zones has a dangerous loophole: it doesn’t apply to individuals licensed by a state to possess or carry a handgun.

Federal Law Prohibits Guns at K–12 Schools—With Dangerous Exceptions

The Gun-Free School Zones Act (GFSZA) prohibits any person from knowingly possessing a firearm that has moved in or otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce at a place the individual knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a school zone.³¹ The GFSZA defines “school zone” as:

1. In, or on the grounds of, a public, parochial or private school that provides elementary or secondary education
2. Within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public, parochial or private school that provides elementary or secondary education³²

However, the federal prohibition against possessing a gun in a school zone does not apply to people licensed by a state or locality to possess a gun.³³ This exception covers many people licensed to possess firearms or to carry concealed firearms.³⁴ In addition, the federal GFSZA allows firearm possession in school zones if:

• The firearm is unloaded and “in a locked container, or a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle.”³⁵
• The firearm is possessed for use in a program approved by a school or in accordance with a contract entered into between a school and the individual or an individual’s employer.³⁶

Federal Law Requires K–12 Schools to Expel Students for Gun Possession

The Gun-Free Schools Act (GFSA) was enacted in 1994 as a response to increasing levels of gun violence in schools.³⁷ Unlike the GFSZA, which applies to any person possessing a firearm in the defined prohibited areas, the GFSA focuses on student behavior, penalizing students to deter them from bringing firearms to school.³⁸

The current GFSA, effective as of 2002, requires that states receiving certain federal funds require local educational agencies to expel students from school for a minimum period of one year if they bring a firearm to school or possess one at school.³⁹ The GFSA also requires that, in order to receive federal funds, each local educational agency must:

1. Refer any student who brings a firearm to a school served by the agency to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system⁴⁰
2. Annually provide an assurance that the local educational agency is in compliance with the state expulsion law⁴¹
3. Annually provide a description of the circumstances surrounding any expulsions imposed under the state expulsion law⁴²

The GFSA expressly permits firearm possession if the gun is lawfully stored inside a locked vehicle on school property, or if the gun is possessed for a school activity approved and authorized by the local educational agency (if appropriate safeguards have been adopted to ensure student safety).⁴³ The GFSA also allows states to permit the chief administering officer of a local educational agency to modify an expulsion for a student, in writing, on a case-by-case basis.⁴⁴ To date, the GFSA has not been challenged.

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Executive Orders Responding to Shootings at K–12 Schools

In the aftermath of the Newtown shootings in 2013, President Obama issued a series of executive orders focusing on firearms and ammunition regulation, mental health issues, and school shootings. A few of these orders deal directly with safety in K–12 schools:

• The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security have been directed to provide continuing training and security assessments for law enforcement, first responders, and school officials on active shooter situations.⁴⁵
• The Departments of Education, Justice, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services have developed model emergency management planning guides to help schools prepare for shootings.⁴⁶

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has made Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Grants available to fund school resource officers.⁴⁷ In September 2013, DOJ announced the awarding of 263 COPS Hiring Grants totaling approximately $125 million, including around $45 million to fund 356 new school resource officer positions.⁴⁸

Summary of State Law

Guns in K–12 Schools

As described above, federal law generally prohibits guns on K–12 campuses but exempts people with concealed carry permits from the prohibition. Most states, however, prohibit concealed carry permit holders from carrying firearms in K–12 schools. Notwithstanding these prohibitions, even in states where carry by permittees is prohibited, many states allow schools to grant individualized permission to permit holders to carry. A little over a quarter of states allow individuals with concealed carry permits to carry loaded firearms in their vehicles despite the prohibition on guns on campus.

Other common exceptions include:

• Federal law allows gun possession by a person without a concealed carry permit within a residence, place of business, or other private property that lies within a school zone but is not part of the school grounds or property
• Guns possessed for hunting or safety courses, school-authorized sports, ceremonial, or recreation activities, or military or peace officer training
• Guns possessed while hunting on school grounds or traversing school grounds to access hunting lands during hunting season
• Carry of firearms in places of worship located on the grounds of private religious schools

Armed Security, Teachers & Staff

Guns in K–12 schools make students, teachers, and staff less safe, but following school shootings, the gun lobby predictably calls for more guns in schools. In some states, school security who are not trained law enforcement are allowed to carry, and approximately half of states allow teachers or other school employees with concealed carry permits to carry firearms on school grounds, with or without individualized permission. 

State Laws on Guns at College and University Campuses

The following table provides an overview of state laws regarding the carrying of firearms on college and university campuses. The strongest laws generally prohibit possession of firearms on all post-secondary school campuses, while weaker laws prohibit firearms on campuses in some, but not all, circumstances.

Student safety is in greatest jeopardy in states that explicitly prevent publicly run colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms on their campuses. 

Unless a state has a law or regulation explicitly prohibiting the carrying or possession of firearms on all post-secondary school property, private colleges and universities generally have broad authority to allow, prohibit, or regulate the possession or carrying of firearms on their property.

In states with no specific laws or regulations regarding firearms on campuses, we have listed the firearms policy of the most populous school in the state. 

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Key Legislative Elements

The features listed below are intended to provide a framework from which policy options may be considered. A jurisdiction considering new legislation should consult with counsel.

• Establish a gun-free school zone that prohibits the possession or carrying, whether openly or concealed, of any firearm within an elementary or secondary school building, on school property, or within a set distance of school property.
• Prohibit the possession or carrying, whether openly or concealed, of any firearm within a school bus or other school-provided transportation.
• Prohibit concealed weapons permit holders from possessing in school buildings, on school property, or within a set distance from school property.
• Prohibit the possession or carrying, whether open or concealed, of any firearm on public and private college or university campuses, including in campus open areas, in parking lots and vehicles on campus, in buildings and residences, and at sporting events.

1. On December 14, 2012, a lone gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut before taking their own life.[↩]
2. On May 24, 2022, a lone gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas[↩]
3. On April 20, 1999, two student gunmen killed 12 students and a teacher at a high school near Denver, Colorado before taking their own life.[↩]
4. On February 14, 2018, a lone former-student gunman killed 14 students and three staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.[↩]
5. On April 16, 2007, a lone student gunman killed 32 people, mostly students, at Virginia Tech before taking their own life.[↩]
6.  Sonali Rajan and Charles C. Branas, “Arming Schoolteachers: What do we Know? Where do we go from Here?,” American Journal of Public Health 108, no. 7 (2018): 860–862; Jaclyn Schildkraut, “Arming Teachers: Does the Proposed Policy Miss the Mark?,” Rockefeller Institute of Government, October 1, 2018, https://rockinst.org/blog/arming-teachers-does-the-proposed-policy-miss-the-mark/.[↩]
7. Louis Klarevas, Rampage Nation: Securing America from Mass Shootings, (Amherst: Prometheus Books, 2016).[↩]
8. Jillian K. Peterson and James A. Densley, “Database of Mass Shootings in the United States,” The Violence Project, November 2019, https://www.theviolenceproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/TVP-Mass-Shooter-Database-Report-Final-compressed.pdf; Weiyi Cai and Jugal K. Patel, “A Half-Century of School Shootings Like Columbine, Sandy Hook, and Parkland,” The New York Times, May 11, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/05/11/us/school-shootings-united-states.html; “Keeping Our Schools Safe: A Plan for Preventing Mass Shootings and Ending All Gun Violence in American Schools,” Everytown for Gun Safety, February 11, 2020, https://everytownresearch.org/reports/keeping-our-schools-safe-a-plan-to-stop-mass-shootings-and-end-all-gun-violence-in-american-schools/.[↩]
9.  Louis Klarevas, Rampage Nation: Securing America from Mass Shootings, (Amherst: Prometheus Books, 2016).[↩]
10. Paul M. Reeping et al., “The Effect of Gun-free School Zones on Crimes Committed with a Firearm in Saint Louis, Missouri,” Journal of Urban Health 100, no. 6 (2023): 1118–1127.[↩]
11. Kristen Holland et al., “Characteristics of School-Associated Youth Homicides – United States, 1994 – 2018,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 68, no. 3 (2019).[↩]
12. John Woodrow Cox and Steven Rich, “”The Gun is Not in the Closet,’” The Washington Post, August 1, 2018, https://wapo.st/2M2HSH6. See also, Bryan Vossekuil et al., “The Final Report and Findings of the Safe School Initiative: Implications for the Prevention of School Attacks in the United States,” US Secret Service and US Department of Education, July 2004, https://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/preventingattacksreport.pdf; Tawnell D. Hobbs, “Most Guns Used in School Shootings Come From Home,” The Wall Street Journal, April 5, 2018, https://on.wsj.com/2Eydv2f.[↩]
13. Private colleges are free to regulate their campuses for public safety purposes in conformity with state law. See Thomas L. Harnisch, American Association of State Colleges & Universities, Concealed Weapons on State College Campuses: In Pursuit of Individual Liberty and Collective Security (Nov. 2008), 2, http://www.aascu.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=4545.[↩]
14. Andrew Anglemyer, Tara Horvath, and George Rutherford, “The Accessibility of Firearms and Risk for Suicide and Homicide Victimization Among Household Members: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” Annals of Internal Medicine 160, no. 2 (2014).[↩]
15. Ronald C. Kessler et al., “Age of Onset of Mental Disorders: a Review of Recent Literature,” Current Opinion in Psychiatry 20, no. 4 (2007): 359–364.[↩]
16. Wenjing Li, Diana S. Dorstyn, and Eric Jarmon. “Identifying suicide risk among college students: A systematic review,” Death studies 44, no. 7 (2020): 450-458.[↩]
17. Cindy H. Liu et al., “The Prevalence and Predictors of Mental Health Diagnoses and Suicide Among US College Students: Implications for Addressing Disparities in Service Use,” Depression and Anxiety 36, no. 1 (2019).[↩]
18. Gregory Plemmons et al., “Hospitalization for Suicide Ideation or Attempt: 2008–2015,” Pediatrics 141, no. 6 (2018).[↩]
19. Callie Marie Rennison and Lynn A. Addington, “Comparing Violent Victimization Experiences of Male and Female College-attending Emerging Adults,” Violence Against Women 24, no. 8 (2018): 952–972.[↩]
20.  Francisco Caamano-Isorna et al., “Alcohol Use and Sexual and Physical Assault Victimization Among University Students: Three Years of Follow-Up,” Journal of Interpersonal Violence 36, no. 7-8 (2018).[↩]
21. Mitchell L. Doucette et al., “Impact of Changes to Concealed-carry Weapons Laws on Fatal and Nonfatal Violent Crime, 1980–2019,” American Journal of Epidemiology 192, no. 3 (2023).[↩]
22. Evan Defilippis & Devin Hughes, “The Numbers on Arming College Students Show Risks Outweigh Benefits,” The Trace, Nov. 9, 2015, https://www.thetrace.org/2015/11/campus-carry-self-defense-accidental-shootings-research/.[↩]
23. “Harmful and Underage College Drinking,” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, January 2024, https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/college-drinking#:~:text=According%20to%20the%202022%20National,drinking%20in%20the%20past%20month.[↩]
24. Id.[↩]
25. Jeffrey W. Swanson et al., “Guns, Impulsive Angry Behavior, and Mental Disorders: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS‐R),” Behavioral Sciences & the Law 33, no. 2-3 (2015); Garen J. Wintemute, “Association Between Firearm Ownership, Firearm-related Risk and Risk Reduction Behaviours and Alcohol-related Risk Behaviours,” Injury Prevention 17, no. 6 (2011).[↩]
26. Matthew Miller, David Hemenway, and Henry Wechsler, “Guns and Gun Threats at College,” Journal of American College Health 51, no. 2 (2002).[↩]
27. Claire Z. Cardona, “Tarleton State student accidentally fires gun in campus dorm,” The Dallas Morning News, September 15, 2016, https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2016/09/15/tarleton-state-student-accidentally-fires-gun-in-campus-dorm/.[↩]
28. “Idaho State University teacher accidentally shoots self in class,” CBS News, September 4, 2014, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/idaho-state-university-teacher-accidentally-shoots-self-in-class/?utm_content=buffera54ba&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer.[↩]
29. James A. Shepperd et al., “The Anticipated Consequences of Legalizing Guns on College Campuses,” Journal of Threat Assessment and Management 5, no. 1 (2018).[↩]
30. H. L. Scherer, J. McMahon‐Howard, and J.T. McCafferty, “Examining the Extent and Predictors of the Negative Impacts of a Campus Carry Law Among Faculty and Students,” Sociological Inquiry92, no. 1 (2022); Pat Somers, Huajian Gao, and Z. W. Taylor, ““I Do Not Speak as Freely”: Gendered Views on Campus Carry at a Research University,” Education and Urban society 55, no. 4 (2023).[↩]
31. 18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(2)(A). The GFSZA was originally enacted as part of the Crime Control Act of 1990. The GFSZA was eventually challenged as an unconstitutional exercise of congressional authority under the Commerce Clause of the US Constitution. In United States v. Lopez, the Supreme Court struck down the law on the grounds that the Act regulated neither commercial nor interstate activity. 514 US 549 (1995). Following the ruling in Lopez, Congress re-enacted the GFSZA in 1996, correcting the defects identified by the Supreme Court. The amended GFSZA contained the same prohibitions as the 1996 revision, except the newer version added language to apply the law to any firearm “that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce.” 18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(2)(A), (3)(A). Challenges to the new statute have been unsuccessful. See, e.g., United States v. Danks, 221 F.3d 1037, 1038-39 (8th Cir. 1999) and United States v. Dorsey, 418 F.3d 1038, 1045-46 (9th Cir. 2005), rev’d on other grounds.[↩]
32. 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(25)-(26).[↩]
33. 18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(2)(B)(ii).[↩]
34. See our summaries on Licensing Gun Owners or  Purchasers and Carrying Concealed Weapons for more information about these licensing requirements.[↩]
35. 18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(2)(B)(iii).[↩]
36. 18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(2)(B)(iv), (v); § 922(q)(3)(B)(ii), (iii).[↩]
37. Avarita L. Hanson, “Have Zero Tolerance School Discipline Policies Turned into a Nightmare? The American Dream’s Promise of Equal Educational Opportunity Grounded in Brown v. Board of Education,” 9 U.C. Davis J. Juv. L. & Pol’y (Summer 2005): 289, 303, (discussing the history of the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1990 and subsequent Acts).[↩]
38. Id. at 303-04.[↩]
39. 20 U.S.C. § 7151(b)(1); see also 20 U.S.C. § 7151(h)(1) (defining “school” as “any setting that is under the control and supervision of the local educational agency for the purpose of student activities approved and authorized by the local educational agency”).[↩]
40. 20 U.S.C. § 7151(h)(1). In this provision, “school” is defined more narrowly to mean “a school that provides elementary or secondary education” pursuant the laws of the state. 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(26).[↩]
41. 20 U.S.C. § 7151(d), (e).[↩]
42. Id.[↩]
43. 20 U.S.C. § 7151(g).[↩]
44. 20 U.S.C. § 7151(b)(1). A state may also allow a local educational agency that has expelled a student from the student’s regular school setting to provide an alternative educational setting. 20 U.S.C. § 7151(b)(2).[↩]
45. The White House, Progress Report on the President’s Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence (June 18, 2013), 4, https://www.apha.org/-/media/files/pdf/topics/gun/gunviolenceprogressrpt.ashx.[↩]
46. Id. at 6.[↩]
47. Id. DOJ has also encouraged police departments to hire such officers by providing a preference for grant applications that support school resource officers. Id.[↩]
48. US Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, Department  of Justice Awards Hiring Grants for Law Enforcement and School Safety, Press Release, Sept. 27, 2013, https://web.archive.org/web/20180605183054/https://cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=2695.[↩]
49. Many states also provide exceptions to this general prohibition for retired law enforcement, members of the military, and other government employees who carry firearms for work.[↩]
50. Many states allow firearms in K-12 schools as part of school programs such as hunter safety courses. This column refers to exceptions unrelated to school programs or education.[↩]
51. Federal law allows firearms in vehicles in school zones if they are unloaded and in a locked container or locked gun rack. People with concealed carry permits are exempt from this requirement, however.[↩]
52. Alabama law prohibits carrying firearms “knowingly with intent to do bodily harm” in K-12 schools, but people with pistol permits are exempt from this prohibition. Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-72(c); 13A-11-72(e); 13A-11-75. However, a 2014 Attorney General opinion states that “A board of education that has not previously adopted an express policy prohibiting all persons, other than authorized law enforcement personnel, from bringing or possessing any deadly weapon or dangerous instrument on school property is required to do so. Alabama Office of the Attorney General, “Opinion 2014-044,” February 28, 2014, https://www.alabamaag.gov/Documents/opin/2014-044.pdf.[↩]
53. A 2014 Attorney General opinion states that “A board of education that has not previously adopted an express policy prohibiting all persons, other than authorized law enforcement personnel, from bringing or possessing any deadly weapon or dangerous instrument on school property is required to do so. Alabama Office of the Attorney General, “Opinion 2014-044,” February 28, 2014, https://www.alabamaag.gov/Documents/opin/2014-044.pdf.[↩]
54. Though Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-72(e) and 13A-11-75 seem to allow possession of firearms in vehicles on campus, a 2014 Attorney General opinion states that “A board of education that has notpreviously adopted an express policyprohibiting all persons, other thanauthorized law enforcement personnel,from bringing or possessing any deadlyweapon or dangerous instrument on schoolproperty is required to do so. Alabama Office of the Attorney General, “Opinion 2014-044,” February 28, 2014, https://www.alabamaag.gov/Documents/opin/2014-044.pdf.[↩]
55. Alaska Stat. §§ 11.61.210(a)(7), (a)(8); 18.65.755(a)(2).[↩]
56. Alaska Stat. § 11.61.210(a)(7).[↩]
57. Alaska Stat. § 11.61.210(a)(7)(A).[↩]
58. Current and retired law enforcement officers can carry with a concealed carry permit. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3102(I)(3).[↩]
59. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 5-73-119(b)(1); 5-73-306(13)(A).[↩]
60. Ark. Code Ann.  § 5-73-119(e)(11).[↩]
61. Ark. Code Ann.  § 5-73-119(12).[↩]
62. Cal. Penal Code § 626.9(b).[↩]
63. Cal. Penal Code §§ 626.9(b), (c).[↩]
64. Id.[↩]
65. Colo. Rev Stat §§ 18-12-105.5; 18-12-214(3).[↩]
66. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.5(3)(c).[↩]
67. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-217b(a).[↩]
68. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-217b(b).[↩]
69. D.C. Code Ann. §§ 7-2509.07(a)(2), 22-4504(a).[↩]
70. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1457A (b), (c)(4), (c)(6).[↩]
71. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1457A (b), (c)(4), (c)(6).[↩]
72. Fla. Stat. §§ 790.115(1)-(2)(a), (c); 810.095; 790.06.(12)(a)(9),(10).[↩]
73. Fla. Stat. § 790.115(2); Fla. Stat. Ann. § 790.25(5).[↩]
74. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127.1.[↩]
75. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127.1(c)(6).[↩]
76. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127.1(c)(7), (8).[↩]
77. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-A(a)(8).[↩]
78. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-A(a)(8).[↩]
79. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-A(a)(8).[↩]
80. Idaho Code § 18-3302D(1), (2)(e).[↩]
81. Idaho Code § 18-3302D(4)(g).[↩]
82. Idaho Code § 18-3302D(4)(e), (f).[↩]
83. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1(a)(4), (a)(9), (a)(10), (c)(1), (c)(1.5), (c)(4); 430 Ill. Comp. Stat. 66/65(a)(1).[↩]
84. Illinois law provides an exception to the prohibition on carry to students and security, but not to the general public. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/24-1(c)(3).[↩]
85. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1(a)(4), (c)(1.5).[↩]
86. Ind. Code Ann. § 35-47-9-2.[↩]
87. Ind. Code Ann. § 35-47-9-1(6).[↩]
88. Ind. Code Ann. § 35-47-9-1.[↩]
89. Ind. Code Ann. §§ 35-47-9-1; 35-47-9-2.[↩]
90. Iowa Code §§ 280.2; 724.4B(1).[↩]
91. Iowa Code § 724.4B(2)(a).[↩]
92. Iowa Code § 724.4B(2)(f).[↩]
93. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301(a)(11); (j)(5).[↩]
94. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301(a)(11); (j)(2).[↩]
95. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301(a)(11); (j)(2).[↩]
96. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 527.070(1).[↩]
97. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 527.070(3)(f); 237.110(16)(f).[↩]
98. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 527.070(3)(a).[↩]
99. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 14:95.2(A); 40:1379.3(N)(11).[↩]
100. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14:95.2(A),(C)(3).[↩]
101. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 14:95.2(A),(C)(5).[↩]
102. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 20-A, § 6552(1).[↩]
103. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 20-A, § 6552(1).[↩]
104. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 20-A, § 6552(1).[↩]
105. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law §§ 4-102; 4-111(a) and (c), effective October 1, 2023.[↩]
106. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-102.[↩]
107. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-102.[↩]
108. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10(j).[↩]
109. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10(j).[↩]
110. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10(j).[↩]
111. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 750.237a(5)(c).[↩]
112. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 750.237a(5)(e).[↩]
113. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 750.237a.[↩]
114. Minn. Stat. § 609.66 Subd.1d.[↩]
115. Minn. Stat. § 609.66 Subd.1d(f)(8).[↩]
116. Minn. Stat. § 609.66 Subd.1d(f)(3).[↩]
117. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 97-37-17;  45-9-101, See Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-7(2)(stating that “A person licensed under Section 45-9-101 to carry a concealed pistol, who has voluntarily completed an instructional course in the safe handling and use of firearms offered by an instructor certified by a nationally recognized organization that customarily offers firearms training, or by any other organization approved by the Department of Public Safety, shall also be authorized to carry weapons in . . . any location listed in subsection (13) of Section 45-9-101[,]” which lists, among other locations, any elementary or secondary school facility, and any junior college, community college, college or university facility7-37-7(2).[↩]
118. Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-17.[↩]
119. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 97-37-17(6),(7)(g).[↩]
120. Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 571.030.1(10); 571.107.1(10).[↩]
121. Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 571.030.1(10); 571.030.4; 571.017.1(10).[↩]
122. Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 571.030.1(10); 571.030.4; 571.017.1(10).[↩]
123. Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-361(1).[↩]
124. Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-361(3).[↩]
125. Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-361(1).[↩]
126. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1204.04.[↩]
127. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1204.04.[↩]
128. Handguns stored in unattended vehicles on school grounds by CCW permittees must be securely encased. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1204.04.[↩]
129. Nevada Revised Statutes §§ 202.265(3); 202.3673(3).[↩]
130. Nevada Revised Statutes §§ 202.265(3); 202.3673(3).[↩]
131. Nevada Revised Statutes § 202.265.[↩]
132. New Hampshire only bans pupils from possessing a firearm in a safe school zone and also imposes a possible penalty enhancement for unlawful possession of a firearm in a safe school zone. “Unlawful possession of a firearm” occurs when someone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm possesses a firearm. NH Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 193-D:3; 193-D:1.[↩]
133. Federal law restricts carry on campus by people who do not have concealed carry permits or licenses. New Hampshire only bans pupils from possessing a firearm in a safe school zone, and also imposes a possible penalty enhancement for unlawful possession of a firearm in a safe school zone. “Unlawful possession of a firearm” occurs when someone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm possesses a firearm. NH Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 193-D:3; 193-D:1.[↩]
134. N.J. Stat. § 2C:39-5(e).[↩]
135. N.J. Stat. § 2C:39-5(e).[↩]
136. N.J. Stat. § 2C:39-5(e).[↩]
137. N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 30-7-2.1; 29-19-8.[↩]
138. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-7-2.1.[↩]
139. N.Y. Pen. Law § 265.01-A.[↩]
140. N.Y. Pen. Law § 265.01-A.[↩]
141. N.Y. Pen. Law § 265.01-A.[↩]
142. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.2.[↩]
143. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.2.[↩]
144. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.2. Concealed handgun permittees can store firearms in a closed container in a locked vehicle on school property. [↩]
145. N.D. Cent. Code, § 62.1-02-05.[↩]
146. N.D. Cent. Code, § 62.1-02-05.[↩]
147. N.D. Cent. Code, § 62.1-02-05(2)(f).[↩]
148. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2923.122(D)(1)(d).[↩]
149. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2923.122(D)(1)(d).[↩]
150. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2923.122(D)(1)(d).[↩]
151. 21 Okl. St. § 1280.1.[↩]
152. 21 Okl. St. § 1280.1(C)(4).[↩]
153. 21 Okl. St. § 1280.1.[↩]
154. Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.370(1),(3)(g); 2021 SB 554.[↩]
155. Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.370(1),(3)(h).[↩]
156. Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.370(1),(3)(j).[↩]
157. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 912. There has been recent litigation about the scope of the law’s exception for people who possess weapons on school grounds for “other lawful purpose[s].” Pennsylvania courts have urged the Legislature to clarify this statute.[↩]
158. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 912.[↩]
159. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 912.[↩]
160. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-60; 11-47-11. Legislation enacted in 2021 extended this restriction to concealed handgun license holders as well, effective July 12, 2021.See 2021 RI HB 5555; R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-60(b). Before the passage of this legislation, many schools had already adopted policies that banned firearm possession on school grounds by anyone other than law enforcement or school security guards, and the Rhode Island Board of Education had issued a directive prohibiting concealed carry holders from doing so in 2018. See Commissioner Ken Wagner, “Firearms in Schools,” August 29, 2018, https://www.ride.ri.gov/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/FieldMemos/SchlSafetyAnncmt-20180829.pd[↩]
161. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-60.[↩]
162. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-60.[↩]
163. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420.[↩]
164. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420(A).[↩]
165. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420.[↩]
166. S.D. Codified Laws § 13-32-7.[↩]
167. S.D. Codified Laws § 13-32-7, effective July 1, 2024.[↩]
168. S.D. Codified Laws § 13-32-7, effective July 1, 2024.[↩]
169. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1309.[↩]
170. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-17-1309; 49-50-803.[↩]
171. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-17-1309(c); 39-17-1310(4).[↩]
172. Tex. Penal Code § 46.03(a)(1).[↩]
173. Tex. Penal Code § 46.03(a)(1)(A).[↩]
174. Tex. Educ. Code § 37.0815.[↩]
175. Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-505.5(4)(a).[↩]
176. Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-505.5(4)(b).[↩]
177. Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-505.5(4)(d).[↩]
178. Vermont’s firearm prohibitions apply only in school buildings and vehicles.[↩]
179. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 4004.[↩]
180. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 4004(c).[↩]
181. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 4004.[↩]
182. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1.[↩]
183. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1.[↩]
184. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1(E).[↩]
185. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 9.41.280.[↩]
186. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 9.41.280.[↩]
187. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 9.41.280(3)(e)-(g).[↩]
188. W. Va. Code § 61-7-11a.[↩]
189. W. Va. Code § 61-7-11a(b)(1)(B).[↩]
190. Wis. Stat. § 948.605.[↩]
191. Wis. Stat. § 948.605.[↩]
192. Wis. Stat. § 948.605.[↩]
193. Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(t)(ix).[↩]
194. Security guards who are retired law enforcement are not listed in this column.[↩]
195. Though Ala. Code § 13A-11-72(e) seems to allow non-law enforcement carry on campus, A 2014 Attorney General opinion states that “A board of education that has notpreviously adopted an express policyprohibiting all persons, other thanauthorized law enforcement personnel,from bringing or possessing any deadlyweapon or dangerous instrument on schoolproperty is required to do so. Alabama Office of the Attorney General, “Opinion 2014-044,” February 28, 2014, https://www.alabamaag.gov/Documents/opin/2014-044.pdf..[↩]
196. Alabama’s law about guns in schools prohibits carrying firearms “knowingly with intent to do bodily harm.” People with pistol permits are exempt from this prohibition. Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-72(c); 13A-11-72(e); 13A-11-75. However, a 2014 Attorney General opinion states that “A board of education that has notpreviously adopted an express policyprohibiting all persons, other thanauthorized law enforcement personnel,from bringing or possessing any deadlyweapon or dangerous instrument on schoolproperty is required to do so. Alabama Office of the Attorney General, “Opinion 2014-044,” February 28, 2014, https://www.alabamaag.gov/Documents/opin/2014-044.pdf.[↩]
197. Alabama’s law about guns in schools prohibits carrying firearms “knowingly with intent to do bodily harm.” People with pistol permits are exempt from this prohibition. Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-72(c); 13A-11-72(e); 13A-11-75. However, a 2014 Attorney General opinion states that “A board of education that has notpreviously adopted an express policyprohibiting all persons, other thanauthorized law enforcement personnel,from bringing or possessing any deadlyweapon or dangerous instrument on schoolproperty is required to do so. Alabama Office of the Attorney General, “Opinion 2014-044,” February 28, 2014, https://www.alabamaag.gov/Documents/opin/2014-044.pdf.[↩]
198. Alaska Stat. § 11.61.210(a)(7).[↩]
199. Id.[↩]
200. Id.[↩]
201. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102(I)(2).[↩]
202. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102(I)(2).[↩]
203. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102(I)(2).[↩]
204. Ark. Code Ann.  § 5-73-119(e)(4).[↩]
205. Ark. Code Ann.  § 5-73-119(e)(11).[↩]
206. Ark. Code Ann.  § 5-73-119(e)(11).[↩]
207. Cal. Penal Code §§ 626.9(m).[↩]
208. Cal. Penal Code § 626.9.[↩]
209. Id.[↩]
210. Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-12-105.5(3)(d.5); 18-12-214(3).[↩]
211. Colorado allows carrying “for the purpose of carrying out the necessary duties and functions of an employee of an educational institution that require the use of a deadly weapon.” Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.5.[↩]
212. Colorado allows carrying “for the purpose of carrying out the necessary duties and functions of an employee of an educational institution that require the use of a deadly weapon.” Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.5.[↩]
213. Connecticut allows carry by a person “in accordance with an agreement entered into between school officials and such person or such person’s employer.” Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-217b(b).[↩]
214. Connecticut allows carry by a person “in accordance with an agreement entered into between school officials and such person or such person’s employer.” Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-217b(b).[↩]
215. Connecticut allows carry by a person “in accordance with an agreement entered into between school officials and such person or such person’s employer.” Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-217b(b).[↩]
216. 14 Del. C. § 9004.[↩]
217. D.C. Code § 7-2509.07(a)(2).[↩]
218. D.C. Code § 7-2509.07(a)(2).[↩]
219. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1457A (b), (c)(4), (c)(6).[↩]
220. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1457A (b), (c)(4), (c)(6).[↩]
221. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1457A (b), (c)(4), (c)(6).[↩]
222. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 1006.12.[↩]
223. Id.[↩]
224. Id.[↩]
225. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127.1(5).[↩]
226. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127.1(c)(6).[↩]
227. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127.1(c)(6).[↩]
228. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-A(a)(8).[↩]
229. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-A(a)(8).[↩]
230. As of March 2018, It does not appear that any of the ten largest school districts allow individuals or employees to carry firearms in K-12 schools. Some smaller districts permit firearms in schools, however, including Garden Valley School District, Blackfoot Charter Community Learning Center, Salmon River Joint School District and Mountain View School District.[↩]
231. Idaho Code § 18-3302D(4).[↩]
232. Idaho Code § 18-3302D(4)(g).[↩]
233. Idaho Code § 18-3302D(4)(g).[↩]
234. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1(c)(3).[↩]
235. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1(c).[↩]
236. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1(c).[↩]
237. As of March 2018, It does not appear that any of the largest school districts currently allow teachers or other individuals to carry firearms. At least one small district (North White School District) allows administrators to carry firearms, but not teachers.[↩]
238. Ind. Code Ann. § 35-47-9-1.[↩]
239. Ind. Code Ann. § 350-47-9-1.[↩]
240. Ind. Code Ann. § 35-47-9-1.[↩]
241. As of March 2018, the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa School Board Association are not aware of any district allowing teachers to carry firearms. However, schools and school districts do not appear to be required to report this information.[↩]
242. Iowa Code §§ 279.84, 724.4B(2).[↩]
243. Iowa Code §§ 724.4B(2); 724.6.[↩]
244. Iowa Code §§ 724.4B(2); 724.6.[↩]
245. It does not appear that the largest school districts have allowed teachers to carry firearms, because the primary insurer of Kansas schools threatened to increase insurance premiums or refuse to insure school districts which permitted teachers to carry firearms.[↩]
246. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301(a)(11); (j)(2).[↩]
247. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301(a)(11); (j)(2).[↩]
248. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301(a)(11); (j)(2).[↩]
249. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 527.070(3)(f).[↩]
250. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 527.070(3)(f).[↩]
251. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 527.070(3)(f).[↩]
252. Louisiana allows “A  school official or employee acting during the normal course of his employment” to carry a firearm. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 14:95.2(A),(C)(2).[↩]
253. Louisiana’s law is vague, allowing “A school official or employee acting during the normal course of his employment” to carry a firearm. This does not appear to apply to school staff who are not security officers. However, bills have been introduced to amend the law to allow teachers to carry guns, none of which have passed. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 14:95.2(A),(C)(2).[↩]
254. Louisiana’s law is vague, allowing “A school official or employee acting during the normal course of his employment” to carry a firearm. This does not appear to apply to school staff who are not security officers. However, bills have been introduced to amend the law to allow teachers to carry guns, none of which have passed. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 14:95.2(A),(C)(2).[↩]
255. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 20-A, § 6552(1).[↩]
256. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 20-A, § 6552(1).[↩]
257. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 20-A, § 6552(1).[↩]
258. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-102(a)(3).[↩]
259. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-102.[↩]
260. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-102.[↩]
261. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10(j).[↩]
262. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10(j).[↩]
263. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10(j).[↩]
264. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 750.237a(5)(d).[↩]
265. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 750.237a(5)(e).[↩]
266. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 750.237a(5)(e).[↩]
267. Minn. Stat. § 609.66 Subd.1d(f)(8).[↩]
268. Minn. Stat. § 609.66 Subd.1d(f)(8).[↩]
269. Minn. Stat. § 609.66 Subd.1d(f)(8).[↩]
270. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 97-37-17(7)(c); Section 97-37-7.[↩]
271. Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-181(4).[↩]
272. Miss. Code Ann. § 45-9-181(4).[↩]
273. Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 571.030.1(10);571.030.2(8).[↩]
274. Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 571.030.1(10); 571.030.4; 571.017.1(10).[↩]
275. Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 571.030.1(10); 571.030.4; 571.017.1(10).[↩]
276. Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-361(3).[↩]
277. Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-361(3).[↩]
278. Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-361(3).[↩]
279. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1204.04.[↩]
280. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1204.04.[↩]
281. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1204.04.[↩]
282. Nevada Revised Statutes § 202.265(3).[↩]
283. Nevada Revised Statutes § 202.265(3).[↩]
284. Nevada Revised Statutes § 202.265(3).[↩]
285. Federal law restricts carry on campus by people who do not have concealed carry permits or licenses. New Hampshire only bans pupils from possessing a firearm in a safe school zone, and also imposes a possible penalty enhancement for unlawful possession of a firearm in a safe school zone. “Unlawful possession of a firearm” occurs when someone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm possesses a firearm. NH Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 193-D:3; 193-D:1.[↩]
286. Federal law restricts carry on campus by people who do not have concealed carry permits or licenses. New Hampshire only bans pupils from possessing a firearm in a safe school zone, and also imposes a possible penalty enhancement for unlawful possession of a firearm in a safe school zone. “Unlawful possession of a firearm” occurs when someone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm possesses a firearm. NH Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 193-D:3; 193-D:1.[↩]
287. Federal law restricts carry on campus by people who do not have concealed carry permits or licenses. New Hampshire only bans pupils from possessing a firearm in a safe school zone, and also imposes a possible penalty enhancement for unlawful possession of a firearm in a safe school zone. “Unlawful possession of a firearm” occurs when someone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm possesses a firearm. NH Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 193-D:3; 193-D:1.[↩]
288. N.J. Stat. § 2C:39-5(e).[↩]
289. N.J. Stat. § 2C:39-5(e).[↩]
290. N.J. Stat. § 2C:39-5(e).[↩]
291. N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 30-7-2.1[↩]
292. New Mexico’s law provides an exception for “a person conducting or participating in a school-approved program, class or other activity involving the carrying of a deadly weapon.” N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 30-7-2.1.[↩]
293. New Mexico’s law provides an exception for “a person conducting or participating in a school-approved program, class or other activity involving the carrying of a deadly weapon.” N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 30-7-2.1.[↩]
294. NY Pen. Law § 265.01-A.[↩]
295. NY Pen. Law § 265.01-A.[↩]
296. NY Pen. Law § 265.01-A.[↩]
297. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.2(g)(7).[↩]
298. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.2.[↩]
299. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.2.[↩]
300. N.D. Cent. Code, § 62.1-02-05(2)(h).[↩]
301. N.D. Cent. Code, § 62.1-02-05.[↩]
302. N.D. Cent. Code, § 62.1-02-05.[↩]
303. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 2923.122(D)(1)(a).[↩]
304. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2923.122(D)(1)(d).[↩]
305. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2923.122(D)(1)(d).[↩]
306. 21 Okl. St. § 1280.1(C)(7).[↩]
307. Oklahoma allows carry by any school personnel with security guard licenses who have been designated by the board of education to carry guns. 21 Okl. St. § 1280.1.[↩]
308. Oklahoma allows carry by any school personnel with security guard licenses who have been designated by the board of education to carry guns. 21 Okl. St. § 1280.1.[↩]
309. Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.370(1),(3)(g).[↩]
310. Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.370(1),(3)(g).[↩]
311. Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.370(1),(3)(g).[↩]
312. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 912. Pennsylvania’s law about weapons in schools provides an exception for weapons possessed for “any lawful purpose.” Case law suggests that self-defense could count as a “lawful purpose” for this law, and the court has suggested that the legislature clarify what this exception means. Commonwealth v. Goslin, 2017 PA Super 38, 156 A.3d 314; Commonwealth v. Edwards, 217 A.3d 387 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2019).[↩]
313. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 912. Pennsylvania’s law about weapons in schools provides an exception for weapons possessed for “any lawful purpose.” Case law suggests that self-defense could count as a “lawful purpose” for this law, and the court has suggested that the legislature clarify what this exception means. Commonwealth v. Goslin, 2017 PA Super 38, 156 A.3d 314; Commonwealth v. Edwards, 217 A.3d 387 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2019).[↩]
314. 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 912. Pennsylvania’s law about weapons in schools provides an exception for weapons possessed for “any lawful purpose.” Case law suggests that self-defense could count as a “lawful purpose” for this law, and the court has suggested that the legislature clarify what this exception means. Commonwealth v. Goslin, 2017 PA Super 38, 156 A.3d 314; Commonwealth v. Edwards, 217 A.3d 387 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2019).[↩]
315. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-60; 11-47-11. Though state law allows carry in schools by anyone with a CCW permit, over the years, many schools have adopted policies that ban firearm possession on campus by anyone other than law enforcement. A 2018 directive from the Board of Education extended these restrictions to all schools in order to create a more consistent state policy regarding firearms. Commissioner Ken Wagner, “Firearms in Schools,” August 29, 2018, https://www.ride.ri.gov/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/FieldMemos/SchlSafetyAnncmt-20180829.pd[↩]
316. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-60; 11-47-11. Though state law allows carry in schools by anyone with a CCW permit, over the years, many schools have adopted policies that ban firearm possession on campus by anyone other than law enforcement. A 2018 directive from the Board of Education extended these restrictions to all schools in order to create a more consistent state policy regarding firearms. Commissioner Ken Wagner, “Firearms in Schools,” August 29, 2018, https://www.ride.ri.gov/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/FieldMemos/SchlSafetyAnncmt-20180829.pd[↩]
317. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-60; 11-47-11. Though state law allows carry in schools by anyone with a CCW permit, over the years, many schools have adopted policies that ban firearm possession on campus by anyone other than law enforcement. A 2018 directive from the Board of Education extended these restrictions to all schools in order to create a more consistent state policy regarding firearms. Commissioner Ken Wagner, “Firearms in Schools,” August 29, 2018, https://www.ride.ri.gov/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/FieldMemos/SchlSafetyAnncmt-20180829.pd[↩]
318. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420.[↩]
319. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420.[↩]
320. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420.[↩]
321. S.D. Codified Laws §§ 13-32-7; 13-64-1.[↩]
322. S.D. Codified Laws §§ 13-32-7; 13-64-1.[↩]
323. S.D. Codified Laws §§ 13-32-7; 13-64-1.[↩]
324. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1309(e)(6), (e)(7).[↩]
325. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-17-1309; 49-50-803; 49-6-815.[↩]
326. Tennessee allows schools in “distressed rural counties” to adopt a policy that authorizes certain staff members to carry concealed firearms, if they fulfill certain training and licensing requirements. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-17-1309; 49-6-816.[↩]
327. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-17-1309; 49-50-803.[↩]
328. Tex. Educ. Code Ann. §§ 37.0811, 37.0814.[↩]
329. Tex. Educ. Code Ann. §§ 37.0811, 37.0814.[↩]
330. Tex. Educ. Code Ann. §§ 37.0811, 37.0814.[↩]
331. Utah allows anyone with a concealed carry permit to carry firearms on campus. Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-505.5(4)(a).[↩]
332. Utah allows anyone with a concealed carry permit to carry firearms on campus. Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-505.5(4)(a).[↩]
333. Utah allows anyone with a concealed carry permit to carry firearms on campus. Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-505.5(4)(a).[↩]
334. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 4004(c).[↩]
335. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 4004(c).[↩]
336. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 4004(c).[↩]
337. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1.[↩]
338. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1(E).[↩]
339. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1.[↩]
340. Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1.[↩]
341. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 9.41.280(3)(b).[↩]
342. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 9.41.280.[↩]
343. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 9.41.280.[↩]
344. W. Va. Code § 61-7-11a.[↩]
345. W. Va. Code § 61-7-11a.[↩]
346. W. Va. Code § 61-7-11a.[↩]
347. Wis. Stat. § 948.605.[↩]
348. Wis. Stat. § 948.605.[↩]
349. Wis. Stat. § 948.605.[↩]
350. Training and licensing requirements apply. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 21-3-132.[↩]
351. Training and licensing requirements apply. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 21-3-132.[↩]
352. Training and licensing requirements apply. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 21-3-132.[↩]
353. 2022 AL HB 272, effective Jan. 1, 2023.[↩]
354. See University of Alabama, “Dangerous Weapons and Firearms Policy,” accessed October 27, 2020, https://fa-webprod.fa.ua.edu/UAFASPOnlinePublic/804c2645-66d2-4035-87fe-4f4c0e88f646/Dangerous%20Weapons%20and%20Firearms%20Policy.pdf.[↩]
355. See University of Alabama, “Dangerous Weapons and Firearms Policy,” accessed October 27, 2020, https://fa-webprod.fa.ua.edu/UAFASPOnlinePublic/804c2645-66d2-4035-87fe-4f4c0e88f646/Dangerous%20Weapons%20and%20Firearms%20Policy.pdf.[↩]
356. University of Alaska Board of Regents, “P02.09.020 Possession of Weapons,” accessed October 27, 2020, https://www.alaska.edu/bor/policy/02-09.pdf.[↩]
357. University of Alaska Board of Regents, “P02.09.020 Possession of Weapons,” accessed October 27, 2020, https://www.alaska.edu/bor/policy/02-09.pdf.[↩]
358. Ariz. Admin. Code § 7-4-102(3).[↩]
359. Ariz. Admin. Code § 7-4-102(3).[↩]
360. Arkansas Code § 5-73-322.
     
     Carry is not allowed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences or at college athletic events. Ark. Code § 5-73-122(3)(D).[↩]
361. Arkansas Code § 5-73-322(b),(d).[↩]
362. Cal. Penal Code § 626.9(h),(i).[↩]
363. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.5.; see also C.R.S. § 18-12-214(1) (Colorado Concealed Carry Act).[↩]
364. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.5.[↩]
365. See University of Connecticut Clery Compliance Department, “2014 Annual Security & Fire Report,” revised April 2016, https://publicsafety.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1532/2015/09/2014-ASFR.pdf; University of Connecticut, “Community Standards Part III: Proscribed Conduct,” accessed October 28, 2020, https://community.uconn.edu/the-student-code-part-iii/.[↩]
366. See University of Connecticut Clery Compliance Department, “2014 Annual Security & Fire Report,” revised April 2016, https://publicsafety.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1532/2015/09/2014-ASFR.pdf; University of Connecticut, “Community Standards Part III: Proscribed Conduct,” accessed October 28, 2020, https://community.uconn.edu/the-student-code-part-iii/.[↩]
367. Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, § 1457B(a).[↩]
368. Id. at (c)(5).[↩]
369. D.C. Code § 7-2509.07(a)(2).[↩]
370. D.C. Code § 7-2509.07(a)(2).[↩]
371. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 790.115(2). There are specified exceptions, such as firearms carried for school programs.[↩]
372. Fla. Stat. Ann. § 790.06(12)(a)(13), (b); see Florida Carry, Inc. v. Univ. of N. Florida, 133 So. 3d 966, 977 (Fla. Ct. App. 2013) (en banc).[↩]
373. Ga. Code § 16-11-127.1(c)(6),(20).[↩]
374. Ga. Code § 16-11-127.1(c)(6),(20).[↩]
375. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-A(a)(7).[↩]
376. Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3309(1), (2).[↩]
377. Idaho Code Ann. § 18-3309(2).[↩]
378. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1(a)(4), (10), (c)(1.5), (4).[↩]
379. 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/24-1(a)(4), (10).[↩]
380. Indiana’s statute prohibiting firearms on school property uses a relatively vague definition of “school property” which seems not to apply to postsecondary schools. Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 35-31.5-2-285.[↩]
381. Indiana University, “Possession of Firearms and Weapons,” May 8, 2013, https://policies.iu.edu/policies/ps-03-firearms-weapons/index.html.[↩]
382. Indiana’s statute prohibiting firearms on school property uses a relatively vague definition of “school property” which seems not to apply to postsecondary schools. Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 35-31.5-2-285.[↩]
383. Indiana University, “Possession of Firearms and Weapons,” May 8, 2013, https://policies.iu.edu/policies/ps-03-firearms-weapons/index.html.[↩]
384. 681 Iowa Admin. Code 9.1(2)(g).[↩]
385. Kan. Stat. Ann. § 75-7C,20(a)(m).[↩]
386. K.S.A. § 75-7c20(a), (m)(1).[↩]
387. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 237.115(1).[↩]
388. University of Kentucky, “Policy on Deadly Weapons,” June 19, 2012, https://www.uky.edu/regs/sites/www.uky.edu.regs/files/files/ar/ar6-6.pdf.[↩]
389. Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 237.115(1).[↩]
390. University of Kentucky, “Policy on Deadly Weapons,” June 19, 2012, https://www.uky.edu/regs/sites/www.uky.edu.regs/files/files/ar/ar6-6.pdf.[↩]
391. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 40:1379.3; 14:95.2(C).[↩]
392. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 40:1379.3; 14:95.2(C).[↩]
393. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 20-A, § 10009.[↩]
394. University of Maine, “Weapons Policy,” April 1996, https://umaine.edu/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/355/2018/05/Weapons-Policy.pdf#:~:text=1.,the%20Office%20of%20Public%20Safety.[↩]
395. Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 20-A, § 10009.[↩]
396. University of Maine, “Weapons Policy,” April 1996, https://umaine.edu/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/355/2018/05/Weapons-Policy.pdf#:~:text=1.,the%20Office%20of%20Public%20Safety.[↩]
397. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-111(d).[↩]
398. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10(j). There is an exception if one has written authorization to carry a firearm.[↩]
399. Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10(j). There is an exception if one has written authorization to carry a firearm.[↩]
400. Some schools in Michigan have allowed concealed carry on campus other than in dorms or classrooms. See Brittany Shammas, “MSU Allows People to Carry Concealed Firearms on Campus,” The State News, June 21, 2009, http://statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/06/msu_allows_people_to_carry_concealed_firearms_on_campus. Other schools, such as the University of Michigan, have prohibited firearms everywhere on campus. The Michigan Court of Appeals rejected a constitutional challenge to the University of Michigan’s policy and ruled that the university has authority to prohibit firearms on campus, including by concealed carry permit holders. Wade v. University of Michigan, No. 330555 (Mich. Ct. App. Jun. 6, 2017); Kim Kozlowski, “Court: University of Michigan Can Ban Guns on Campus,” The Detroit News, June 7, 2017, http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2017/06/07/um-campus-guns/102583380/.[↩]
401. Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425o(1)(h).[↩]
402. Minn. Stat. § 624.714, Subd. 18. Schools may not prohibit lawful possession of firearms in a parking facility or parking area.[↩]
403. University of Minnesota, “Board of Regents Policy: Possession and Carrying of Weapons,” July 11, 2003, https://regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/2019-09/policy_possession_and_carrying_weapons.pdf.[↩]
404. Minn. Stat. § 624.714, Subd. 18(c).[↩]
405. See Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-7(2).[↩]
406. Op. Miss. Att’y Gen. No. 2013-00023 (Oct. 1, 2013), 2013 Miss. AG LEXIS 248, *8-9 (“An enhanced permit cannot constitutionally take away the rights of property owners to exclude persons from their property if that is their wish. …Therefore, private property owners, including… private schools…may exclude from their premises persons carrying weapons.”[↩]
407. See Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-7(2)(stating that “A person licensed under Section 45-9-101 to carry a concealed pistol, who has voluntarily completed an instructional course in the safe handling and use of firearms offered by an instructor certified by a nationally recognized organization that customarily offers firearms training, or by any other organization approved by the Department of Public Safety, shall also be authorized to carry weapons in . . . any location listed in subsection (13) of Section 45-9-101[,]” which lists, among other locations, any elementary or secondary school facility, and any junior college, community college, college or university facility.”); Op. Miss. Att’y Gen., answer to Question No. 4 (Jan. 5, 2012), at https://handgunlaw.us/documents/agopinions/MSAGOpinionOnCarryOnCampusWithEndorsement.pdf.[↩]
408. Op. Miss. Att’y Gen. No. 2013-00023 (Oct. 1, 2013), 2013 Miss. AG LEXIS 248, *8-9 (“An enhanced permit cannot constitutionally take away the rights of property owners to exclude persons from their property if that is their wish. …Therefore, private property owners, including… private schools…may exclude from their premises persons carrying weapons”).[↩]
409. Firearms are allowed with permission from the school. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.107.1(10).[↩]
410. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.107.1(10).[↩]
411. 2021 HB 102, amending Title 45, Chapter 8, Part 3.[↩]
412. Board of Regents of Higher Ed. v. Montana, No. BD-2021-598 (Mont. 1st Dist. Nov. 30 2021).[↩]
413. 2021 HB 102, amending Title 45, Chapter 8, Part 3.[↩]
414. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1204.04(1). See our page on guns in schools in Nebraska for a full list of exceptions.[↩]
415. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1204.04(1)(h).[↩]
416. Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 202.265; 202.3673(3).[↩]
417. Firearms may be stored with the University Policy Department. University System of New Hampshire, “J. Firearms on Campus,” updated January 9, 2018, https://www.usnh.edu/unh/iii-administrative-policies/j-firearms-campus.[↩]
418. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:39-5(e)(1).[↩]
419. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-7-2.4.[↩]
420. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-7-2.4(A)(5).[↩]
421. N.Y. Penal Law §§ 265.01-a.[↩]
422. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.2.[↩]
423. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269.2(k).[↩]
424. N.D. Cent. Code, § 62.1-02-13.[↩]
425. University of North Dakota, “Workplace Violence,” reviewed February 2020, https://und.policystat.com/policy/7717363/latest/.[↩]
426. N.D. Cent. Code, § 62.1-02-13.[↩]
427. University of North Dakota, “Workplace Violence,” reviewed February 2020, https://und.policystat.com/policy/7717363/latest/.[↩]
428. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2923.126(B)(5).[↩]
429. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2923.126(B)(5).[↩]
430. Okla. Stat. tit. 21, §§ 1290.4, 1277(G); see also “Oklahoma Open Carry FAQ,” OK.gov, accessed December 7, 2018, https://www.ok.gov/governor/OpenCarryFAQ.html (“Generally, you cannot openly carry at … Colleges, Universities or Technology Centers”).[↩]
431. Okla. Stat. tit. 21, §§ 1290.4, 1277(G).[↩]
432. Okla. Stat. tit. 21, §§ 1290.4, 1277(G).[↩]
433. 2021 SB 554.[↩]
434. 2021 SB 554.[↩]
435. People can carry if given specific authorization from the University. Pennsylvania State University, “SY12 Weapons and Fireworks Regulations, Fireworks, and Paintball Devices,” updated June 19, 2014, https://policy.psu.edu/policies/sy12.[↩]
436. People can carry if given specific authorization from the University. Pennsylvania State University, “SY12 Weapons and Fireworks Regulations, Fireworks, and Paintball Devices,” updated June 19, 2014, https://policy.psu.edu/policies/sy12.[↩]
437. University of Rhode Island, “Student Handbook,” accessed November 1, 2020, 21, https://web.uri.edu/studentconduct/files/2015-2017-Student-Handbook.pdf.[↩]
438. University of Rhode Island, “Student Handbook,” accessed November 1, 2020, 21, https://web.uri.edu/studentconduct/files/2015-2017-Student-Handbook.pdf.[↩]
439. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420.[↩]
440. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420.[↩]
441. South Dakota Board of Regents, “Violence in the Workplace and Educational Settings,” accessed November 1, 2020, https://www.sdbor.edu/policy/documents/1-25.pdf. For a list of exceptions, see University of South Dakota, “Student Handbook 2020-2021,” accessed November 1, 2020, https://www.usd.edu/-/media/files/student-life/usdstudenthandbook.ashx.[↩]
442. University of South Dakota, “Student Handbook 2020-2021,” accessed November 1, 2020, https://www.usd.edu/-/media/files/student-life/usdstudenthandbook.ashx.[↩]
443. Several location restrictions apply to carry by employees with enhanced carry permits. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1309, (e).[↩]
444. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 49-7-161; 39-17-1309.[↩]
445. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1309(c)(1)(b).[↩]
446. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1309(e)(11).[↩]
447. Tex. Gov’t. Code § 411.2031. A working group at University of Texas, Austin decided that a ban on handguns in classrooms has the effect of excluding licensed handguns from campus. [↩]
448. Tex. Gov’t. Code § 411.2031.[↩]
449. Tex. Gov’t. Code § 411.2031.[↩]
450. Utah Code Ann. § 53B-3-103.[↩]
451. Utah Code Ann. § 53B-3-103.[↩]
452. Vermont does prohibit knowingly possessing a firearm within a “school building,” and on any school property with the intent to injure another person. Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 4004(a)-(b). But it is not clear whether this applies to buildings on public or private colleges or universities, because “school” is undefined.[↩]
453. The University of Vermont, “Weapons,” accessed November 4, 2020, https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/UVM-Policies/policies/firearms.pdf.[↩]
454. The University of Vermont, “Weapons,” accessed November 4, 2020, https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/UVM-Policies/policies/firearms.pdf.[↩]
455. Op. Att’y Gen. Va. 05-078 (Jan. 4, 2006), 2006 Va. AG LEXIS 3, *6-*7 (opining that CCW cannot be prohibited in open areas of public campuses by licensed members of the public). See Digiacinto v. Rector & Visitors of George Mason Univ., 704 S.E.2d 365, 369 (Va. 2011).[↩]
456. Op. Att’y Gen. Va. 05-078 (Jan. 4, 2006), 2006 Va. AG LEXIS 3, *6-*7 (opining that CCW cannot be prohibited in open areas of public campuses by licensed members of the public). However, public colleges and universities may still restrict concealed carry by students and employees, and in places where people congregate, such as in buildings or at events. See Digiacinto v. Rector & Visitors of George Mason Univ., 704 S.E.2d 365, 369 (Va. 2011).[↩]
457. Wash. Admin. Code § 478-124-020(e).[↩]
458. W. Va. Code § §18B-4-5b(a).[↩]
459. Wis. Stats. § 943.13(1m)(5); see also “Carrying Weapons or Firearms at University of Wisconsin Institutions,” University of Wisconsin Systems, October 14, 2011, https://www.wisconsin.edu/uw-policies/uw-system-administrative-policies/carrying-weapons-or-firearms-at-university-of-wisconsin-institutions/ (policy for the University of Wisconsin requiring that schools post signs prohibiting individuals from carrying weapons or firearms in campus buildings).[↩]
460. Wis. Stats. § 943.13(1m)(5).[↩]
461. There is an exception if one has consent from the college or university. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(t)(vi), (x).[↩]
462. There is an exception if one has consent from the college or university. Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 6-8-104(t)(vi), (x).[↩]