Georgia governor vetoes bill that would have allowed concealed handguns on campuses
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on Tuesday vetoed a bill that would have allowed anyone with a permit to carry concealed handguns on Georgia campuses.
The Republican governor had previously voiced his concern for on-campus daycare centers and dually-enrolled students when asking the legislature to reconsider the language of the bill.
Supporters of the bill viewed it as a way to make campuses safer, while opponents have cited costs for increased safety measures and the impact it would have on higher education.
Nine states have currently passed legislation allowing concealed handguns on campus, including: Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.
Georgia's House speaker says he's disappointed that Deal, a fellow Republican, has vetoed the "campus carry bill."
Speaker David Ralston called the legislation "sound and reasonable," and added that it was thoroughly debated.
He said Second Amendment rights are under attack and added, "Georgians should not be required to give up their constitutional rights when they set foot on a college campus."