1. Campus Carry in the State of Georgia
By Det. Nermin Cultarevic #1280
Campus Carry in the State of Georgia

2. Text of the State of Georgia House Bill 280
Firearms allowed under following circumstances:
1) In certain manners = carried in such a fashion that does not actively solicit the attention of others and is not prominently, openly, and intentionally displayed except for purposes of defense of self or others.
2) By licensed weapons carry holders = only apply to the carrying of handguns which a licensee is licensed to carry pursuant to subsection (e) of Code Section and pursuant to Code Section ; and only apply to the carrying of handguns which are concealed.
3)In any public technical school, vocational school, college, or university, or other public institution of postsecondary education = these shall not apply to:
a) buildings or property used for athletic sporting events or student housing, including, but not limited to, fraternity and sorority houses:
b) any preschool or childcare space located within such buildings or real property;
c) any room or space being used for classes related to a college and career academy or other specialized school as provided for under Code Section ;
d) any room or space being used for classes in which high school students are enrolled through a dual enrollment program, including, but not limited to, classes related to the 'Move on When Ready Act' as provided for under Code Section ;
e) faculty, staff, or administrative offices or rooms where disciplinary proceedings are conducted;

3. What weapons are allowed
Handguns (pistols and revolvers) allowed only
O.C.G.A. § Definitions:
As used in this part, the term:    (1) "Handgun" means a firearm of any description, loaded or unloaded, from which any shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged by an action of an explosive where the length of the barrel, not including any revolving, detachable, or magazine breech, does not exceed 12 inches; provided, however, that the term "handgun" shall not include a gun which discharges a single shot of .46 centimeters or less in diameter.
All other weapons prohibited by law
Such permitted weapon may not be:
Prominently
Openly
Or intentionally displayed
except, for purposes of defense
Weapons must be concealed or hidden on one’s person or bag, or vehicle,…

4. Who can carry weapons O.C.G.A. § 16-11-125.1 Definitions
Any licensed concealed weapon holder may carry on campus
O.C.G.A. § Definitions
As used in this part, the term:
(3) "License holder" means a person who holds a valid weapons carry license.
Person carrying concealed weapon must be familiar with the locations where weapons are prohibited.

5. Locations where weapons are prohibited
Student housing facilities:
Fraternity houses
Residence halls
Sorority houses
Any facilities that are used for childcare, preschool, or areas that house high school students (contact registrar for these locations)
Faculty offices
Staff offices
Administration offices
Athletic or sporting facilities:
Stadiums
Gymnasiums
Any intercollegiate game areas
Any areas used for disciplinary proceedings.

6. Penalties for violation of this law
Licensed person having a handgun in any of the prohibited areas for the first time will face $25.00 fine (citation/summons).
Subsequent similar offenses are treated as misdemeanors.
Unlicensed person having a handgun anywhere on campus will face felony charges.
Campus police of each school was tasked with enforcing these laws.

7. Methodology and Research Methods
Review of policies and procedures relating to campus carry, or possession of weapons on campuses of 97 colleges and universities.
Comparison of the college/university policies to the HB280
Established four categories:
Allows weapons: school policy in line with the law
Prohibits weapons
Unknown: school does not have policy on weapons
Vague: school has either conflicting, or unclear stance on weapons on their campuses

8. Weapons Carry in Georgia on Monday, July 10th 2017
Note the date – law was in effect on July 1st, 2017!

9. Weapons Carry in Georgia on Friday, September 29th 2017
Note the date – law was in effect on July 1st, 2017!

10. Issues with the law Unclear
Enormous objection from academia and school administrators
Protests
However:
0 reported incidents related to campus carry since law went into effect
GA not the only state that has this law, in those states 0 incidents
Items such as BB guns, toy guns that are non-functioning handgun replicas are not addressed by the law nor considered by schools.

11. Possible solutions
Intent of the legislators clearly noble and aiming to solve safety issues in our schools.
However, the legislators left us with law that neither side of the argument favors.
Must decide whether to allow guns or ban them – restrictions and limitations are ineffective.