One overlooked aspect of the college campus carry bill: There are about 1,700 young children in university sanctioned childcare centers around the state. House Bill 859, as passed by the House and Senate, would allow guns in those childcare facilities.
The legislation allows anyone 21 or older with a weapons license to carry a gun anywhere on a public college or university campus, except for limited locations -- inside dormitories, fraternities and sorority houses, and at athletic events.
Gov. Nathan Deal appears to be heeding concerns about the safety of babies and toddlers in campus facilities.
My colleagues at the AJC's Political Insider report:
Gov. Nathan Deal wants substantive changes to a measure that would allow college students to carry concealed guns onto campuses, suggesting on Monday that he might veto the controversial proposal if lawmakers don’t take a second crack at it.The governor said in a statement on Monday that he wants lawmakers to exempt on-campus child care centers from legislation that would legalize firearms at all public colleges in Georgia. He also raised concerns about dually-enrolled high school students who leave school to attend classes, and he said universities and technical colleges should have discretion to set their own rules regarding disciplinary hearings for weapons-related charges.
“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,” he said.
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