Campus Carry (House Bill 280)
The "Georgia campus carry" legislation (House Bill 280 [2017]) amended the Georgia law restricting weapons around school zones, functions, and transportation (O.C.G.A. §16-11-127.1), to authorize the possession of concealed handguns by weapons carry license holders in or on certain property of public institutions of postsecondary education with specific restrictions.
This was later modified by the "Georgia Constitutional Carry Act" (Senate Bill 319 [2021]), which removed the license requirement while keeping all other detailed restrictions the same. The responsibility is on those who choose to carry handguns on campus to know the law and to understand where they can and can't go while carrying.
Students, faculty, and staff should not attempt to monitor or enforce compliance with the statute with those who do carry handguns. Only law enforcement personnel will be responsible for enforcing the law. If you have concerns or questions, contact the CSU Police.
Disclaimer: It is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to know the current laws applied to the specific locations they visit and the functions in which they participate. This website is not an authoritative source of law but is offered as a general invite for citizens to learn more about such laws at their authoritative source.
* Note: As the "Constitutional Carry Act" (SB319 of 2021) has been amended more recently, any specific mention of "weapons license requirements" in this video may no longer apply, however all other restrictions remain applicable.
CSU-Specific Q&A
The Lumpkin Center; all residence halls; all faculty and staff offices; rooms where discipline hearings are held; classrooms where a high school student is in the class
On any property owned or leased by Columbus State University unless subject to a specific exception under the law, as explained in the guidelines found at www.usg.edu/weaponscarry
Yes - the new law will apply to any property owned or leased by CSU.
No. This is state law. Failure to follow state law could result in disciplinary procedures.
If you see a gun and feel threatened in any way, you should call University Police at 706-507-8911
It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they are not breaking the law. You should call the University Registrar to check if your class contains any high school students. You can also check this by clicking on your schedule in MyCSU.
No, the new law does not provide an exception for spaces merely because children are present. Handguns are not permitted in a preschool and daycare, which are not available at CSU.
Then, during the time of that class, in the room where that class is held, a concealed weapon is prohibited.
No. "Open carry" is still illegal on a college campus. This law applies to handguns that are not prominently, openly, and intentionally displayed.
No. It is the responsibility of license-holders to seek out this information.
No. Federal privacy laws prevent disclosing that kind of information. The Provost's office is, however, working on language that can be included course syllabi, and we are also looking for ways to make it more obvious on class rolls so faculty can easily access that information.
No. Complying with the new law is the responsibility of license-holders.
No. The new law explicitly excludes faculty, staff and administrative offices from places where handguns can be carried.
For more information, see the University System of Georgia website about House Bill 280.
