State senators approved a bill Tuesday that would allow college students to carry Tasers and stun guns on campuses.
House Bill 792, sponsored by Rep. Buzz Brockway allows any person over age 18 or enrolled in classes to carry the electroshock weapons on a state public college or university campus.
Brockway’s bill, which has been deemed “campus carry lite,” but did not carry the same level of controversy as the legislation passed by lawmakers earlier this year that legalizes guns on college campuses. The Lawrenceville Republican has said his bill was intended to provide an alternative to students wanting to protect themselves on campus, but not use a lethal weapon.
A House version of the bill did not include an age restriction on who could use the Tasers and stun guns on campus, which was a point of contention for some lawmakers in that chamber. The Senate's version sets an age restriction but was still opposed by some senators. There has also been concern among some education watchers that the bill would still allow for grade-school students younger than 18 to carry the stun guns because they are also enrolled in classes on college campuses.
Before Tuesday's 43-12 Senate vote, Sen. Elena Parent expressed concerns about allowing Tasers in the hands of "untrained minors or college students."
“I think we need to take a deep breath and stop weaponizing kids and stop weaponizing campuses,” Parent, D-Chamblee said.
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