Georgia lawmakers will again consider legislation allowing guns on college campuses after Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed a similar measure last year.
Rep. Mandi Ballinger, R-Canton, on Tuesday filed legislation in the Georgia House that would allow anyone with a permit to carry concealed weapons to take a firearm on to Georgia's public colleges and universities.
Deal vetoed a similar bill in 2016, after he asked House and Senate leaders to specifically exempt on-campus child care facilities, faculty or administrative office space and disciplinary meetings. Lawmakers refused and Deal sent a message back.
Ballinger’s new bill would exempt child care facilities but otherwise is the same as the 2016 measure. Whether it satisfies Deal’s concerns remains to be seen.
Supporters say those with weapons permits already have to be at least 21 years old and pass a background check. Opponents have long argued that guns have no places on campuses where young adults are often in highly pressured situations and where alcohol and drugs are often used.
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