Georgia gun legislation could enable students to carry concealed firearms on campus.

[TMMT]

Modifications made to Georgia gun legislation could enable students to carry concealed firearms on campus.

Several Georgia House members have proposed changes to House Bill 615, which deals with the carrying of concealed weapons and the revision of the laws and provisions concerning them.

Section two of the original bill concerning concealed weapons prohibited the carrying of "any explosive compound, firearm, or knife designed for the purpose of offense and defense" at any public gathering. The term "public gathering" was originally defined by the bill as any "athletic or sporting events, churches or church functions, political rallies or functions, publicly-owned or operated businesses" as well as various establishments that sell alcohol. The suggested changes would allow those licensed to carry concealed weapons to carry them anywhere in the state of Georgia, with the exception of courtrooms, jails or prisons.

In addition, each time the phrase "pistol, revolver, or concealable firearm" is used in the original bill's text, it will now be replaced by the word "weapon," broadening the scope of what is considered to be an offensive or defensive mechanism. Rep. Timothy Bearden, R-68, a sponsor of the legislation, said that this wording is not a reason for concern, as various types of weapons require varying types of licensure.

Bearden, who was also a sponsor of the largest gun reform bill in Georgia's legislative history, House Bill 89, passed away in May 2008. Before his death, he said that the changes to the legislation as it stands are important for the protection of the second amendment. He said that safety is not a major concern, as the bill does protect licensing procedures.

"We're talking about law-abiding citizens," he said.

Though the proposed changes would allow those convicted of "an offense arising out of the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance or other dangerous drug" to be eligible for a license to carry a concealed weapon, it does uphold the current legislation's policy prohibiting convicted felons from acquiring a license.

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Modifications made to Georgia gun legislation could enable students to carry concealed firearms on campus. - News

[Guest 6.8 AR]

As long as they are law abiding citizens, why not?

[Mark A]

I think this is great. Maybe we will soon follow.

[TMMT]

I think this is great. Maybe we will soon follow.

I would also love to see this state join the present day and amend the law allowing loaded guns in your vehicles w/o permits. To me that has to be the dumbest gun law on the books here in the Eternal Purple State The Republic of Tennessee...

[mikegideon]

'bout time.

[Guest 1817ak47]

great to hear, hope it happens and spreads a little north too

[willis68]

Go Georgia! That is outstanding news

[GLOCKMEISTER]

go Buldogs

[Guest 1817ak47]

wasn't there similiar legislation in the works here for tn??? or am i thinking of something else??