House approves sweeping gun bill

Georgians with a weapons permit would be allowed to carry guns into churches, parts of college campuses and bars under legislation approved in the state House on Thursday.

House Bill 512, sponsored by Rep. Rick Jasperse, R-Jasper, passed 117-56 and now goes to the Senate.

After more than an hour of emotional debate, the bill passed largely along partisan lines. Rep. Charles Gregory, R-Kennesaw, upset over an amendment that limits rights of those whom law enforcement perceive as potential threats, voted against the bill.