GEORGIA — Governor Nathan Deal released a statement Monday about the “campus carry” bill, House Bill 859. The bill has passed in both the Senate and House and would allow for twenty one year old licensed gun owners to carry weapons on college campuses. Governor Deal called for the General Assembly to address opponents’ concerns.

Tucker Morgan is a student at The University of Georgia who says he needs more time to think about the consequences of this bill before taking his stance.

“Just because, right now it seems pretty safe, at the same time I do realize that anything can happen.”

Kelly Gaines is a teacher from Hart County Middle School who brought her class of eighth graders to UGA’s campus today. She says even if the bill passes she will continue to bring her students to visit.

“The people that are out there to do us harm are probably already carrying and we just don’t know. So if they are going to do harm, they are going to do it whether there’s a bill on the table or not.”

Governor Deal’s entire statement is below:

“As a lifetime defender and staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights, Gov. Deal has signed every pro-gun bill to reach his desk. However, he believes legitimate points have been made in regards to certain aspects of the ‘campus carry’ bill and he calls on the General Assembly to address these concerns in related legislation before Sine Die. Specifically, these areas of concern include dually enrolled k-12 students who leave school to attend classes at a university or technical college campus, as well as daycare centers on these same campuses. Deal also believes the governing boards of universities and technical colleges should have the discretion to set reasonable rules regarding disciplinary hearings and faculty and administrative offices. Addressing these issues is an important step in ensuring the safety and freedoms of students, faculty and staff in our institutions of higher learning throughout our state.” 

We will continue to keep you updated on the story.