Students, teachers and visitors with a valid concealed- carry permit later this week will be able to bring handguns to a CareerTech campus — as long as they keep them in their locked vehicles.

CareerTech officials said they have talked with students, faculty and staff about the new law.

None of the campuses are planning to install metal detectors to make sure the weapons remain out of the school, but some are considering hiring extra security officers.

Oklahomans who have concealed gun permits are authorized by the state to carry the weapons, but commit a crime when they leave their gun inside their vehicle on a CareerTech campus. Backers of the bill say adult students who carry a handgun for self-protection reasons worried about the risk of being arrested when leaving their gun in their car on a CareerTech parking lot; most high school students still will be unable to bring a gun in their vehicles because persons must be at least 21 years old to get a concealed carry permit.