After more than two hours of emotional debate, Georgia Senators approved a bill Friday that will allow weapons on Georgia college campuses for the first time. HB 859 now goes to Governor Nathan Deal for his signature. He has indicated that he supports the measure.
The bill passed despite strong opposition from Chancellor Hank Huckaby, and a number of presidents from colleges and universities across the state. Georgia Tech students have also voiced their opposition to the measure. Huckaby had asked lawmakers to allow campus security to police and protect their campuses.
If it becomes law, the bill would make Georgia the ninth state to allow campus carry, with more than 20 others allowing individual schools to decide. The legislation would allow anyone 21 or older with a weapons license to carry a gun anywhere on a public college or university campus, except for inside dormitories, fraternities and sorority houses, and at athletic events.
HB 859 also would mandate that those weapons be concealed — something proponents say makes it safer — since Georgia requires gun owners to apply for carry permits that include fingerprinting and background checks.
“This bill isn’t about violence,” said Rick Jasperse, (R-Jasper), sponsor of the bill. “We are talking about Georgians over 21 who have had background checks and done the right things throughout their lives and now have the ability to carry a weapon in our state and that is the key group we are looking at.”
Sen. Jesse Stone ( R-Waynesboro) told Senators he felt students needed the weapons for self protection, and even told the story of a 21-year-old woman who was raped on a campus within feet of an emergency call device.”
Most of the debate in the Senate was by those who opposed the bill, voicing concern that students would be less safe with weapons on campuses. They also questioned the lack of provisions exempting day care centers in campuses — an even offered an amendment.
However, the legislation passed by a more than two-to-one vote with no amendments.
Sen. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody) was the only Republican senator to vote against it, saying that this legislation grew out of an attitude of fear.
“I know this measure is going to pass, but I do not feel like I can support it,” said Millar. “I will vote against it.”
The bill passed by a 37-15 vote.
