by Zahira Torres \ Austin Bureau
Posted: 03/08/2011 12:01:21 AM MST
http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_17561002" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Only one member of El Paso's delegation supports the legislation. In fact, state Rep. Chente Quintanilla, a Democrat whose wife sits on the El Paso Community College board, is a co-author on the House version of the bill.
On the other end, state Rep. Dee Margo, R-El Paso, has proposed an amendment that would exempt universities and colleges within a 10-mile radius of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Margo said the bill's author, state Rep. Joe Driver, R-Garland, did not initially seem interested in the amendment but has since called his office for additional information. The freshman legislator from El Paso said he is willing to support the bill if border universities and colleges are exempt, otherwise he would have to vote against the measure...
The head of the University of Texas System has sent a letter to Gov. Rick Perry expressing concerns that the legislation will compromise safety.
UTEP's executive vice president, said he agrees with that assessment. He said UTEP will sponsor public forums in the coming weeks to hear from students and faculty about the proposed law.
Adauto said law enforcement officers may have a difficult time distinguishing between someone who is a threat with a handgun and someone who is not a threat with a handgun.
State Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, said he is a supporter of Second Amendment rights but the bill does not sound logical and could lead to confusion if a shooting did occur.
Pickett, who has already been approached by college students against the measure, said ...
Read more at http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_17561002" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;