‘Campus carry’ sponsor to head House higher education panel
The sponsor of last year’s “campus carry” gun bill was named the new chairman of the House Higher Education Committee on Wednesday, one of a number of moves announced to fill vacant committee chairs.
Rep. Rick Jasperse, R-Jasper, who is again expected to introduce a bill to allow licensed weapons permit holders to carry firearms on the state's public college campuses, will lead the panel that oversees college and university policy.
Among other key appointments announced Wednesday:
Rep. Kevin Tanner, R-Dawsonville, is the new chairman of the House Transportation Committee, replacing Rep. Christian Coomer, R-Cartersville, who was elected to a House Republican Caucus leadership post.
Rep. Jason Shaw, R-Lakeland, will also lead a newly created transportation funding subcommittee.
Other new chairs include:
- Code Revision: Rep. Buzz Brockway, R-Lawrenceville
- Ethics: Rep. Randy Nix, R-LaGrange
- Industry and Labor: Rep. Brian Strickland, R-McDonough
- Juvenile Justice: Rep. Mandi Ballinger, R-Canton
- Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment: Rep. Johnnie Caldwell, R-Thomaston
- Motor Vehicles: Rep. Bubber Epps, R-Dry Branch
- State Properties: Rep. Gerald Greene, R-Cuthbert
- Special Rules: Rep. Buddy Harden, R-Cordele
