Georgia lawmakers approve concealed carry of guns on campus
Georgia lawmakers approve concealed carry of guns on campus - The Georgia legislature on Friday cleared a bill letting licensed gun owners carry concealed handguns on public college and university campuses, moving the state a step closer to becoming the 10th in the country with such a law.
The Republican-controlled state Senate and House of Representatives approved the measure in late-night sessions and sent it on to Governor Nathan Deal for his signature. http://www.reuters.com/
Deal, a Republican, vetoed similar legislation last year after expressing concern that guns could be taken into campus day care centers.
This year's legislation barred guns from campus day cares or areas where high school students attended dual enrollment programs. Guns also would be prohibited in student living areas such as dormitories and from campus sporting events.
Jen Ryan, a spokeswoman for Deal, declined to say whether the governor would sign the measure.
The legislation has drawn protests from students and faculty members who contend it is a threat to public safety. But the University System of Georgia (USG) said on Friday the exemptions for day care centers and areas where high school students attend classes improved the bill.
"We prefer current law but are reviewing the legislation to see how it could be implemented at USG institutions,” the university system said.
Deal signed legislation in 2014 allowing legal gun owners to take weapons into bars, churches and government buildings, under certain conditions.
(Editing by Ian Simpson) www.msn.com,
