Concealed Weapons May Be Allowed on Kansas, Georgia Campuses

The states of Kansas and Georgia are moving toward adopting laws that the lift or ease the current bans on individuals carrying concealed weapons

The states of Kansas and Georgia are moving toward adopting laws that the lift or ease the current bans on individuals carrying concealed weapons at colleges and universities, as well as other locations.

In a 65 to 57 vote, the Kansas House of Representatives passed House Bill 2685 March 24 that says weapons will only be prohibited in state or municipal facilities if the building has adequate security measures, such as walk-through metal detectors and wands at entrances, reports the Kansan.com. It could potentially cost universities $52,500 per entrance to implement these security measures.

However, officials at some colleges, like Washburn University, which prohibit concealed-carry firearms inside buildings, are not big fans of the bill. They believe that if approved, the legislation would make it difficult to restrict guns on campus.

The legislation is awaiting approval from the State Senate and the governor.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Senate passed Senate Bill 308, which would allow permit-holders to take their guns to colleges, airports and churches, in a 41 to 12 vote, according to Romenews-Tribune.com.

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents would be able to forbid weapons at athletic events; however, SB 308 would remove restrictions such as the 1,000-yard barrier around college campuses. The barrier around other schools would only apply during hours when classes are in session.

The bill awaits approval from the House and Gov. Sonny Perdue.

For additional information, click here.

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