New Gun Bill Won’t Include Campus Carry
State House Republicans are expected to introduce new gun legislation Monday, just days after the legislature’s attorneys dealt a major blow to backers of expanding gun carry areas to state colleges and universities.
House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, insists the new bill will expand gun rights – it just won’t include campus carry.
“It’s a bill that focuses, as we have tried to focus here in the House, on ensuring the Second Amendment rights of Georgians on private property. That’s always been our number one focus,” said Ralston.
Last year’s efforts to pass a gun bill faltered when Senate leaders balked at a provision allowing campus carry. Recently, momentum was building for an “opt-in” clause in which college presidents could decide whether to allow it.
That issue became moot after the legislature’s lawyers said last week the opt-in provision was probably not constitutional.
“I wouldn’t say I was disappointed. I may not agree with it. There’s a lot of legal opinions I don’t agree with,” said Ralston.
Elements of last year’s bill that had broader support among lawmakers include expanded gun access in churches and some public buildings, and new permit requirements related to the mentally ill.
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