Georgia Senate votes to allow guns on campus

Georgia's state Senate voted to approve a bill allowing licensed gun owners to carry concealed weapons on public college campuses.

The proposal backed by the National Rifle Association won support from a Senate panel on Monday despite opposition from the powerful governing board for the university system.

The bill passed by a 37 to 17 vote.

The proposal exempts athletic facilities and student housing, including fraternity and sorority houses.

State Sen. Elena Parent wanted to add day care facilities and pre-K classes located on several college campuses but Republicans blocked any chances to amend the bill on the floor.

Channel 2's Lori Geary talked with students at Kennesaw State University who had some concerns.

"If they have that weapon and they're not rational at the moment, they are really angry, things could happen," one student said.

Another told Geary that there are situations on campus where people need self defense.

Georgia's House already has approved the bill. Now that it has passed the Senate, the measure  goes to Republican Gov. Nathan Deal, who has voiced support for the concept.

Opponents say allowing guns on campus will put students in harm's way and make police officers' jobs more difficult. Supporters argue people should be able to defend themselves.

State Rep. Rick Jasperse sponsored the bill. He told Geary he was relieved to see it pass by a large margin.

"We're talking about people who are 21-years-old, had their backgrounds checked and have been evaluated by judges in their communities. Good Georgians," Jasperse said.

Fran Millar of Dunwoody is the lone Republican senator who voted against the bill.

Millar told Geary, "I'm not against the Second Amendment but I do think campus carry is a thing we probably don't need."

Cox Media Group