Georgia’s gun bill passes in House

If the Georgia House of Representatives — including Rep. Tommy Benton (R-Jefferson) has its way, Georgians who have firearms carry permits will soon be able to bring concealed weapons to church, into bars, onto college campuses and even into government buildings — including courthouses that lack systems for screening for weapons.

The House passed House Bill 512 — the Safe Carry and Protection Act — last week by a margin of 117-56.

The bill must still pass the Senate and be signed by Gov. Deal, but Benton says the crafters of the legislation sought input from both of those parties, which suggests the bill is likely to become law.

Passage of the law would mean no changes at the Jackson County Courthouse, where screening for weapons takes place.

The same legislation also gives the school systems the right to arm administrators.

“I would hope if school systems decide to do that, that it’s a concealed carry so students don’t know who it is,” he said.