TX HB4017

Expands authority for public institutions of higher education to prohibit licensed handgun carry on campus, at institution-sponsored activities, and in institution-owned passenger vehicles, after consulting with students, staff, and faculty (previously only private/independent institutions had this opt-out authority)

Creates criminal offense for license holders who carry handguns on campuses of public or private higher education institutions that have adopted prohibition rules, provided the institution gives effective notice under Section 30.06

Extends liability immunity to public institutions of higher education and their officers/employees for damages caused by actions of license holders, matching protections already given to private institutions that opted out of campus carry

Repeals several existing Government Code provisions related to campus carry regulations, including Sections 411.2031(c), (d-1), (d-2), (d-3), (d-4), and Penal Code Section 46.03(a-4)

Takes effect September 1, 2025, with changes applying only to offenses committed and causes of action accruing on or after that date