TexasCHLforum.com

Senator Ogden, I watched your discussion of SB 354 on the Senate floor today. I have to agree with you. I can't see why the legislature has chosen to restrict the rights of CHL holders to carry in any place. They should be able to carry in elementary schools, high schools and colleges as well as sporting events. Perhaps you could submit a bill in the next session to remove those restrictions?

I also don't understand why private colleges are allowed to opt out. After all, they also get our tax dollars for grants, scholarships and other purposes. I think they should have to comply with the same restrictions, rules and regulations that the public schools do. But I know politics is all about compromise, so I'm sure someone's vote in favor requires that compromise.

I confess I was a little confused by your attempts to tie the present restrictions on legal carry to SB 354. All of the present restrictions are part of the Texas Penal Code, which I'm sure you know were passed into law by the legislature.

I work at a public university in Texas. I am a CHL holder. I can't for the life of me understand why I have to remove my weapon and holster simply because I've arrived at my office. I can't understand why the legislature thinks I should be allowed to defend my life in some places but not in others.

Please vote to suspend the rules on Monday, Senator. The bill deserves a hearing and a vote from the full Senate and should not be the casualty of political games.