State Lawmakers Push to Expand Campus Carry Laws

Proposals in at least six states would allow more guns on college campuses, sparking debate over public safety and self-defense.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:18pm

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In at least six statehouses this year, Republican lawmakers have introduced bills that would allow students, staff or visitors with concealed carry permits — and in some cases, without permits — to bring firearms onto public college campuses. Supporters say the proposals would allow people to defend themselves during emergencies, while opponents argue they could make campuses less safe and increase the risk of accidental or impulsive violence.

Why it matters

The push for campus carry laws is part of a broader effort by gun rights advocates to dismantle gun-free zones and expand access to firearms. This debate intersects with ongoing discussions around permitless carry laws and the legal boundaries of where guns can be restricted. The issue has taken on new urgency after recent high-profile shootings on college campuses.

The details

The campus carry proposals vary widely, with some states considering measures to allow anyone 18 or older to carry firearms on campuses, while others would only permit those with concealed carry permits. Some bills would prevent colleges from imposing stricter rules than state law. Supporters often cite research suggesting that gun-free zones may attract crime, while opponents point to studies showing active shootings are less likely in such areas.

  • In March 2026, a gunman opened fire at Old Dominion University in Virginia, killing one person and injuring two others before being stopped by ROTC students.
  • In September 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University, prompting lawmakers to pass a bill allowing concealed carry without a permit.

The players

Jeremy Haroldson

A Republican state representative in Wyoming who sponsored measures to expand campus carry and lower the minimum age for concealed carry permits.

Danny McCormick

A Republican state representative in Louisiana who is sponsoring a bill to allow anyone 18 or older to carry firearms on college campuses.

John Lott

An economist who leads the Crime Prevention Research Center and has argued that gun-free zones attract crime and mass shootings.

Joseph Blocher

A law professor at Duke University and the co-founder and faculty director of the university's Center for Firearms Law.

Tom Hixon

A member of the Everytown Veteran Advisory Council who previously served as a Marine, and whose father was killed in the 2018 Parkland shooting.

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What they’re saying

“When the good guys are armed, the bad guys don't like showing up.”

— Jeremy Haroldson, Republican state representative, Wyoming

“We can trust people with their rights and the ability to be responsible with them more than I think some people give them credit for. I see it making campuses more safe.”

— Danny McCormick, Republican state representative, Louisiana

“All you do by creating a gun-free zone is creating a magnet — just read the diaries and manifestos. All you do is create a magnet for those who want to go and kill people.”

— John Lott, Economist, Crime Prevention Research Center

“It's clear that there is a power to prohibit guns on school grounds, and the real question is just how broad that power is.”

— Joseph Blocher, Law professor, Duke University

“If I could just ask one thing of lawmakers, it would be, 'Let's take a pause on this. Let's readdress what's in this bill.'”

— Tom Hixon, Member, Everytown Veteran Advisory Council

What’s next

The judge in the Old Dominion University shooting case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

The debate over campus carry laws highlights the ongoing tensions between gun rights and public safety, as well as the legal complexities around where firearms can be restricted. This issue will likely continue to be a flashpoint in state legislatures and the courts as lawmakers and advocates on both sides push their agendas.