ATLANTA ― Georgia’s governor stopped short of a veto threat against a bill lifting a weapons ban on the state’s public college campuses on Tuesday. But the Republican’s call for fixes to the bill awaiting his signature prompted pushback from the National Rifle Association and Georgia lawmakers still supportive of the original proposal.
The state Senate on Friday sent a bill to Republican Gov. Nathan Deal allowing licensed gun owners who are 21 and older to carry concealed weapons on public college campuses. The bill, which easily passed both the House and Senate controlled by Republicans, exempts student housing, including fraternity and sorority houses, and athletic facilities.
Deal, first on Monday and again on Tuesday, said he’s concerned about day care facilities on public college campuses and K-12 students who take classes at universities or technical colleges through programs aimed at high-achievers.
Deal also said he wants school administrators to have rule-making ability regarding weapons so they could decide on exemptions for faculty or administrator offices and during disciplinary hearings.
Deal refused to say whether he would veto the so-called “campus carry” bill if lawmakers don’t respond.
“I’ll have to decide that when the time comes,” he said.
Lawmakers plan to adjourn next Friday and have three remaining days to hold full floor votes. No proposals emerged on Tuesday aimed at Deal’s concerns and the governor said he was reluctant to propose specific language.
