Last Friday, legislation passed in the state senate to allow the legalization of firearms at all Georgia college campuses. Today, Governor Nathan Deal announced that he wants changes made to the bill that will allow students to carry even suggesting that he may veto the bill if changes aren’t made.
In a statement released by the governor’s office, Deal suggests that lawmakers should consider addressing high school students who are joint-enrolled in college courses that allow firearms. The statement also mentioned giving colleges the choice of making their own rules regarding being able to carry guns at faculty and administrative offices.
“Addressing these issues is an important step in ensuring the safety and freedoms of students, faculty and staff in our institutions of higher learning throughout our state,” said the statement from Deal’s office, which didn’t use the word “veto” but implied it nonetheless.
READ MORE: Georgia Passes Legislation on “Campus Carry” Bill
Greg Bluestein at AJC says, “lawmakers could still approve new changes to firearms rules in separate legislation winding its way through the Legislature. If that’s the case, then Deal would first sign the original “campus carry” legislation and then the second measure that includes the changes he wants. The second measure would take precedence over the first.”
House Bill 859 was passed on Friday, which legalizes guns on school campuses for the very first time in Georgia. The bill allows for students over 21 years old with a weapons license to carry firearms anywhere on the campuses except dorms, fraternity & sorority houses and at athletic events.
According to a tweet we made, 61% of Georgians disagree with the passings of this legislation. Follow us here to join future conversations.
Should Georgia allow guns on college campuses?
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) March 13, 2016
Georgia’s Board of Regents have always expressed their disinterest involving guns on college and university campuses. Usually, they’re successful with blocking attempts to legalize guns on campuses. The most recent attempt came in 2014 when the state House voted to legalize campus carry as part of a broader effort dubbed the “Guns Everywhere Bill.”
