By Robert Farago via The Truth About Guns
The Georgia Supreme Court ruled yesterday that citizens can’t carry guns onto school property unless the licensed carrier is picking up or dropping off a student. “The unanimous decision from the Georgia Supreme Court was a blow to gun rights advocates,” myajc.com reports. “It made clear that when two laws conflict, it’s the one the governor signs last that stands.” Yup, the Peach Tree State’s legislature both approved and outlawed guns on school campuses.
House Bill 826 allowed licensed gun owners to bring their weapons onto school property. House Bill 60 said the only time guns are allowed on school property is when someone is dropping off or picking up a student; otherwise guns on school property were specifically prohibited.
Gov. Nathan Deal signed HB 826 on April 22, 2014. The next day he signed HB 60, which specifically prohibited guns inside school safety zones except when picking up or dropping off.
The article fails to mention Bush the Elder’s Gun Free School Zones Act (GFSZA), which prohibits anyone from carrying a gun within 1000 feet of a school unless they are licensed by the state to carry a firearm. Anyway, last bill standing! The individuals who brought the suit — described below — will not doubt work to repeal HB 60 with a new version of HB 826.
Phillip Evans said in his case he wanted to bring a gun when he attended functions at Centerville Elementary School in Snellville.
James Johnson filed a similar suit, saying he wanted to bring his 9 mm Smith and Wesson when he went to his children’s activities at New Prospect Elementary School in Alpharetta. “As a parent, it’s my responsibility to look out for my family,” Johnson said at the time.
Johnson and Evans said they were confused as to when a licensed gun owner could bring a gun to their children’s schools. They are concerned they could be charged with misdemeanors if they bring firearms to school events.
Just so you know: violation of the GFSZA is a felony. If convicted, a scofflaw stands to lose his gun rights forever.
