Gun tileATLANTA – Schools in Georgia could allow teachers to carry firearms while others with licenses could take their guns into houses of worship, more bars and government offices under a plan adopted Tuesday by House lawmakers.
The measure, passed by a vote of 119-56, comes during an election year as GOP leaders are seeking to expand the places where people with state-issued licenses may take their weapons. GOP lawmakers are facing pressure from vocal gun rights groups after a similar effort failed last year.
The bill would reduce the penalties for carrying guns on college campuses and in airport security checkpoints. It will next be considered by Georgia’s state senators, who have proven more reluctant to expand where people can legally take firearms.
“Gun-free zones that are created by well-meaning laws are gun-free to the good guys only. The bad part of our society does not care,” said state Rep. Rick Jasperse, R-Jasper, the bill’s sponsor. “This should not prevent law-abiding Georgians from defending themselves.”
State Rep. Al Williams, a Democrat, criticized the bill as a Republican attempt to excite the party’s voting base ahead of this year’s elections. He said the state government should pay for more police officers if it seeks to better secure schools.