Georgia university chancellor testifies against campus gun bill

Feb. 20, 2017 - Atlanta - University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley, standing at far right, testifies to the House Public Safety Committee on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017.  BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres

Credit: Bob Andres

Feb. 20, 2017 - Atlanta - University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley, standing at far right, testifies to the House Public Safety Committee on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

The head of Georgia’s university system told lawmakers Monday that a campus gun bill under consideration is not needed.

“With respect to campus carry, we feel strongly current law strikes the right balance to provide security on our campuses,” University System Chancellor Steve Wrigley told the House Public Safety Committee.

“We therefore respectfully oppose any change to current law,” he said.

The committee heard more than two hours of testimony about House Bill 280, which allows anyone with a Georgia weapons permit to carry firearms onto most parts of public college and university campuses.

No vote was taken, although Chairman Alan Powell, R-Hartwell, signaled one is expected soon.