Governor Deal signs Campus Carry bill

ATLANTA — Governor Nathan Deal has signed HB 280, which permits weapons carry license holders to carry firearms in specific and limited areas on college campuses.

Last year's HB 859 failed to address Deal's concerns regarding the prohibition of firearms in "sensitive places," including campus preschools, disciplinary hearings or faculty and administrative offices. As a result, it was vetoed.

This year, the General Assembly passed HB 280, which maintains the same restrictions present in HB 859. It also addresses the areas of campus over which Deal previously raised concerns, along with additional areas of college campuses where weapons would not be permitted.

HB 280 prohibits the carrying of a concealed weapon by anyone, including weapons carry license holders, on the following areas of a college campus:

• Buildings or property used for athletic sporting events;
• Student housing, including but not limited to dormitories, fraternity and sorority houses;
• Any preschool or childcare space;
• Any room or space being used for classes related to a college and career academy or other specialized school;
• Any room or space used for classes in which high school students are enrolled through a dual enrollment program, including, but not limited to, classes related to the "Move on When Ready Act";
• Any faculty, staff, or administrative offices; and,
• Rooms where disciplinary proceedings are conducted.

Cox Media Group