By Paul J. Weber

Associated Press

AUSTIN — Gun rights are again a focus at the Texas Capitol after drawing attention over rallies outside and confrontations inside.

A Senate committee Thursday will take up high-profile proposals that would allow concealed carry at college campuses and open carry everywhere else. The bills are among the first that Texas lawmakers are debating this session.

Gov. Greg Abbott supports Texas joining the vast majority of states that already allow gun owners to openly carry firearms.

But gun rights have become a tempest in the early stages of the 140-day session. One Democratic lawmaker received a security detail after a tense exchange with gun rights supporters who came into his office.

University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven has also come out against the bill.