Republican Ga. Lawmakers Give ‘Campus Carry’ Another Try
A bill in the Georgia legislature would allow licensed gun owners to carry their weapons at public universities and colleges.
The Georgia law know to many as the “Guns Everywhere” law does not allow weapons on college campuses, but some are trying to change that.
Rep. Rick Jasperse, R-Jasper, sponsored the 2014 measure. Initially, it called for allowing guns on campuses.
But that provision was rejected as the bill moved through the legislature.
Jasperse is now sponsoring, along with Republican Rep. Mandi Ballinger of Canton, a new bill that would allow licensed gun owners to carry their weapons at public universities and colleges.
“We’re empowering people to not be victims,” Ballinger said. “People have a right to defend themselves, and they have a right to not be a victim, and we’re empowering them to do so.”
Jasperse says there are exceptions:
“Athletic sporting events — one of those passionate issues we just wanted to stay away from — and fraternity and sorority houses. [They’re] just not a secure environment.”
Jasperse recognizes allowing guns on some parts of campus would stir controversy. But, he says, that’s likely anyway.
Democrats have already filed a number of gun control measures this session, and Georgia colleges and universities have opposed previous proposals that would have allowed guns on campuses.
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