Recent legislative changes that went into effect Jan. 1, 2016, made it lawful to openly carry firearms in Texas under certain circumstances, but HISD does not and has never allowed handguns or other prohibited weapons to be carried into any district schools or educational facilities.

School grounds have been considered “gun-free” zones under the federal Gun-Free Schools Act that was enacted more than 20 years ago. Texas law also does not permit handguns or certain other weapons to be taken into any school buildings or carried anywhere that school-sponsored activities are taking place.

Handguns and firearms are not allowed at any school-sponsored activities, regardless of whether the events or activities take place on or off school property or on school passenger vehicles like school buses.

District officials are continuing to review the new Open Carry Law, however, and the interpretation and release of information concerning the application and effect of these laws with respect to public schools is ongoing.

For a list of frequently asked questions regarding the new law, please click here (pdf).
Should anyone see any suspicious activity on or around HISD campuses or anywhere in the district, they are urged to contact HISD police at 713-892-7777 (24 hours a day) or call 911.