Chancellor testifies against campus gun bill

Current law ‘strikes the right balance to provide security.’

The head of Georgia’s university system told lawmakers that a bill to let people with permits carry guns on college campuses is unnecessary.

The head of Georgia’s university system told lawmakers Monday that a bill to let people with permits carry guns on college campuses is unnecessary.

“With respect to campus carry, we feel strongly current law strikes the right balance to provide security on our campuses,” University System Chancellor Steve Wrigley told the House Public Safety Committee.

“We therefore respectfully oppose any change to current law,” he said.

The committee heard more than two hours of testimony about House Bill 280, which allows anyone with a Georgia weapons permit to carry firearms onto most parts of public college and university campuses.

No vote was taken, although Chairman Alan Powell, R-Hartwell, signaled one is expected soon.

University system leaders have long said they support current law as it relates to guns on campus. That law allows students and others to keep firearms in their cars. While “supports current law” implies opposition to changes, Wrigley’s comments Monday were the strongest from the university system in years.

The measure’s sponsor, Rep.

Mandi Ballinger, R-Canton, said the bill allows students “the opportunity to defend themselves and not become victims.”

Ballinger said she is still discussing the bill with some of those who have issues with it, and she hinted that more changes are possible. She asked the committee to delay a vote.

Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed a similar measure last year. In an attempt to earn Deal’s approval, Ballinger’s bill this year specifically bans firearms from child care centers on campuses, one of the reasons Deal opposed the measure in 2016.

Weapons permit holders must typically be 21 years old and pass a fingerprint background check. The bill still bars firearms from athletic events, student dormitories and fraternity and sorority houses.

BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM University System Chancellor Steve Wrigley tells the House Public Safety Committee that a campus gun bill under consideration is not needed. The current law allows students and others to keep firearms in their cars. “We therefore respectfully oppose...

BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM Rep. Mandi L. Ballinger, R-Canton, says she is still discussing House Bill 280 with some of those who have issues with it.