ATLANTA (AP) - State lawmakers are debating legislation that would allow Georgia residents to carry guns in more places and arm school employees.
The plan being debated Thursday would allow residents to carry guns in bars, churches or parts of college campuses.
It would allow people who have received inpatient care at mental hospitals or drug treatment centers within the last five years to get a license to carry a weapon. Right now, judges have discretion over whether to issue licenses to those applicants.
Republican Rep. Tom Kirby says he supports the bill. He says the country has a violence problem, not a gun problem.
Democratic Rep. Karla Drenner says allowing young adults to carry handguns on campuses could lead to more violence.
If adopted, the bill would go next to the Senate.
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