Georgia Concealed Carry Law Signed by Gov. Deal

The concealed carry law forbids guns in certain sensitive areas on campus.

A law allowing the concealed carry of handguns on Georgia’s public college campuses was approved by Governor Nathan Deal May 4.

The law, which requires persons carrying handguns to pass criminal background checks and be at least 21 years of age unless they’ve completed extra training, will take effect July 1.

Governor Deal had vetoed a campus carry bill that reached his desk last year, but cited provisions in this year’s version that prohibit guns in certain sensitive areas as the reason for changing his stance on college concealed carry.

RELATED: Campus Concealed Carry Policy Announced at Univ. in Kansas

Under the law, guns will not be allowed in on-campus preschools, faculty or administrative offices, disciplinary hearings or areas attended by high school students taking college classes. Handguns are also not allowed in dormitories, fraternity or sorority houses or buildings used for athletic events, reports the Washington Post.

“It is altogether appropriate that weapons not be allowed in these areas,” Deal wrote in a message after the signing. “I appreciate the thoughtful consideration given by the General Assembly in expanding these excluded areas within a college campus in this year’s bill.”

The majority of state university leaders opposed the bill, including all police chiefs and school presidents in the University System of Georgia.

Colleges will now craft concealed carry policies around the new law.

“It is important that we all work together across our campuses to implement the new law appropriately and continue to provide a top-quality education to our students,” University System Chancellor Steve Wrigley said.

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