AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Texas concealed handgun license holders could carry weapons into public college classrooms and dorms under a bill that cleared the Texas Senate on Wednesday.

But in a last-minute change, the legislation exempts teaching hospitals run by institutions of higher education.

Supporters say the bill reinforces the constitutional right to bear arms and could prevent mass murders such as the 2007 shootings at Virginia Tech. Opponents say it would make campuses more dangerous.

University of Texas-Arlington student Racquel Miller is among those who say they feel unsafe about letting people have guns on campus.

"Say a teacher gives a kid a bad grade and they are upset about it and their first initial reaction could be a bad reaction," said Miller.

But fellow UTA student Ryan Pfaffengut says guns on campus could help prevent more deaths.

"I think if we allow students to carry, then if somebody does 'nut out,' you can stop them," Pfaffengut said.

The bill passed 20-11 and now heads to the Texas House.