A call to expand gun rights in Georgia will go before state lawmakers this year. One bill could revive the debate on allowing guns to be carried on college campuses.
As a leader of Georgia Tech Students for Concealed Carry, Robert Eagar says he's optimistic about a measure removing restrictions on carrying firearms on college campuses.
His group began calling for the change to state law following armed robberies of students.
"If they believe that they're capable of defending themselves, they should have that right," said Eager.
A so-called "campus carry" bill is one of four measures removing gun restrictions planned by newly-elected state Rep. Charles Gregory of Kennesaw. He told FOX 5's Paul Yates by phone that he's "just trying to do what's right." Gun control, he said, "doesn't work."
Measures to expand gun rights failed in the last state legislative session. This year's General Assembly begins on Monday.
After the deadly Connecticut school shootings last month, Alice Johnson, the head of Georgians for Gun Safety predicted the demise of gun expansion measures.
"I think the concealed carry in schools, on college campuses is a dead issue at this point," Johnson said on Dec. 19.
But the student group sees a different outcome.
"We think this is a very likely year to see it passing. We've been very close in the past and we feel that we might have the final steps to push forward this year," said Eager.
Another state lawmaker plans a bill allowing school administrators to carry guns if their local school board approves.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:11 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:11:27 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:35 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:35:39 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:17:23 GMT
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:35:16 GMT
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country.
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. They're stepping up to defend their neighborhood and organizing residents to form civic associations.
