Guns on campus?
Casey Bass
Issue date: 3/9/10 Section: News
Two pieces of legislation that have the potential to change campus life in Georgia are currently being worked on in the Georgia Legislature. House Bill 615, put forth by Rep. Tim Bearden (R Villa Rica), and "Georgia's Common Sense Lawful Carry Act," proposed by Senate Majority Whip Mitch Seabaugh (R Coweta County), could make it legal for students and faculty to carry handguns on campus.
Their authors define both bills as "much needed clarification of existing gun laws." In a recent op-ed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution Bearden said, "My proposed HB 615 is an attempt to clarify and simplify Georgia law on the issue of individual gun rights, and allow a citizen to finally go to one code section to see clearly where it is illegal to carry a weapon in this state."
HB 615 proposes allowing gun owners to carry their weapon in public places, including universities. Bearden argues the Second Amendment allows gun owners to carry legal firearms where the property owner allows.
Seabaugh's bill was sent to committee with key changes that clarify the effect on campus life. The updated version prohibits firearms possession in classrooms, research facilities, dorms and residential housing. Universities would have the authority to determine if lawfully carried firearms are permissible at athletic events.
In championing his bill Seabaugh said in a recent press release, "This legislation has two purposes-to remedy confusion in the current law and bring continuity to the process of licensing and regulation."
The choice of the property owner is an important distinction that suggests schools could still restrict the carrying of handguns on campus. When asked if GHC would enact a policy prohibiting firearms should the law change, Director of Campus Safety John Upton commented, "I am not a lawyer, but after looking at the final bill, we will make any determinations that may make our students safer."
Both bills are currently in committee and seem to be constantly evolving. Seabaugh and Bearden have been open about the process and encourage feedback from those affected by their proposed bills. Seabaugh can be reached at mail@mitchseabaugh.com, and Bearden at tim.bearden@house.ga.gov
Their authors define both bills as "much needed clarification of existing gun laws." In a recent op-ed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution Bearden said, "My proposed HB 615 is an attempt to clarify and simplify Georgia law on the issue of individual gun rights, and allow a citizen to finally go to one code section to see clearly where it is illegal to carry a weapon in this state."
HB 615 proposes allowing gun owners to carry their weapon in public places, including universities. Bearden argues the Second Amendment allows gun owners to carry legal firearms where the property owner allows.
Seabaugh's bill was sent to committee with key changes that clarify the effect on campus life. The updated version prohibits firearms possession in classrooms, research facilities, dorms and residential housing. Universities would have the authority to determine if lawfully carried firearms are permissible at athletic events.
In championing his bill Seabaugh said in a recent press release, "This legislation has two purposes-to remedy confusion in the current law and bring continuity to the process of licensing and regulation."
The choice of the property owner is an important distinction that suggests schools could still restrict the carrying of handguns on campus. When asked if GHC would enact a policy prohibiting firearms should the law change, Director of Campus Safety John Upton commented, "I am not a lawyer, but after looking at the final bill, we will make any determinations that may make our students safer."
Both bills are currently in committee and seem to be constantly evolving. Seabaugh and Bearden have been open about the process and encourage feedback from those affected by their proposed bills. Seabaugh can be reached at mail@mitchseabaugh.com, and Bearden at tim.bearden@house.ga.gov
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Anonymous
posted 3/09/10 @ 6:36 PM EST
I do not believe that guns should be allowed on campuses such as Georgia Highlands. The Campus Safety department does not have any firearms. The Campus Safety department would have to rework the entire staff if this law is passed. (Continued…)
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