Georgia Campus Carry Bill
Faculty and Staff Guidance and Education

Georgia Campus Carry Bill

FACULTY and STAFF Guidance and Education

This information is intended to provide guidance to Coastal Pines Technical College as we work to ensure that we follow the law.  It is recognized that this is not an all exhaustive list of potential questions and points of clarification concerning the new changes to campus carry.  Please consult the Coastal Pines Technical College Police Department with any additional questions or concerns.

When was the Campus Carry Law implemented?

July 1, 2017

Break down elements of the statute
16-11-127.1

• Must have valid GA Weapons Carry License (WCL) or a weapons carry license or permit from a reciprocal state provided that the license carrier is not a resident of GA.  If they become a GA resident, they must obtain a GA carry license (active military exception)
• Must be 21 or over (unless an active member of the military)
• Applies to anyone on campus-- student, faculty, staff, contractor or visitor
• Applies only to handguns (revolvers and pistols)
• Must be concealed
• Concealed defined — carried in such a fashion it does not actively solicit the attention of others… is not openly and intentionally displayed. Substantially covered by an article of clothing, or carried within a bag of nondescript nature
• Locations authorized
• In any building or on real property (buildings or land) owned or leased by the College, unless specifically prohibited below

Break Down of statute Con't.

Locations prohibited

• Preschool or childcare spaces.
• Classes with Dual Enrollment students (defined as the space or room being currently used for dual enrollment instruction)
• Faculty, staff or administrative offices
• Rooms where disciplinary hearings are conducted
• College and Career Academies
• Any buildings or property used for athletic sporting events (while athletic event is occurring)
• Student housing (includes fraternity and sorority houses)

Additional Points for Consideration:

• It is incumbent upon the weapons carry license holder to know the law and follow it at all times.
• It is the responsibility of the license holder/gun owner to ensure that they have received gun safety training on proper loading, use and carry (including concealed carry) of a firearm.  Colleges (including their police or security departments) will not provide firearms training to anyone other than employed sworn police officers.
• Active Shooter training is provided to all students and employees.  In the event of an active shooter type occurrence, police will respond with the intent of locating and stopping the threat.  It is the responsibility of the licensed carrier to clearly identify themselves and immediately obey all instructions given by law enforcement.

Additional Points for Consideration Con't:

• For the purposes of determining if a class has any dual enrollment students in it:  Faculty should be aware of any dual enrollment students in their class.  Students may ask their fellow classmates if anyone is a dual enrollment student, however, fellow students are not required to identify themselves as dual enrollment.
• A report listing all dual enrolled student's classes is located on the college Stingray Spirit Dashboard showing the instructor name and CRN information.  Students who inquire about a class they are attending can ask their instructor, the front desk, their enrollment advisor or academic affairs.
• No one, other than the legislature, can make any policy, rule or regulation concerning the possession or carrying of weapons.  Instructors may not require students who are carry license holders to identify themselves.  Administrators may not require their employees to self-identify.  Even asking individuals to voluntarily disclose if they hold a carry license should be avoided so as not to create the appearance of disparate treatment or creation of any regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Where can weapons be secured when not being carried on campus by permit holder? The gun owner's vehicle. Coastal Pines Technical College will not provide weapons storage facilities.
• How will anyone know whether a class has dual enrollment students in it?  It is incumbent upon the licensed carrier to determine when these conditions exist and not violate the law.  Students may ask their fellow classmates if anyone is a dual enrollment or high school student, however, fellow students are not required to identify themselves as dual enrollment or high school student.
• What is penalty for violation? See OGCA 16-11-127.1. If the violator has a valid carry license, on first offense, the penalty is a misdemeanor and a $25 fine.  If the violator does not have a carry license the charge is a felony.
• Can law enforcement ask to see weapon carry license at any time?  Law enforcement may not detain an individual for the sole purpose of asking if they have a carry license or requesting to view it. 
• Must the permit be on your person while carrying? Yes

Frequently Asked Questions, Con't.

• Does it apply to any area where a student conduct hearing may occur or has occurred?  It applies to any area where a student conduct hearing is occurring or will occur in the immediate future.
• What happens when high school (or younger) students are in common areas?  The prohibition only applies to areas in current use for instruction of students who are dual enrollment.  Common areas where these students may be present are not covered.
• Can faculty ask for identity of all who are carrying weapons in classroom? No
• Can the college designate additional "weapons free" areas?  No, only those areas designated under the law apply.
• Can mental health counselors, supervisors, heath care workers, science lab managers (flammable items in use or storage), or any others draft policy banning firearms from their area, or have the right to ban if have specific concern about a student? No, but concerns should be reported to the appropriate college personnel.

Quiz

Please complete the following quiz. A score of 70% or better is required for successful completion of this activity.

Following the presentation and quiz:

• print the completion certificate
• submit a copy of the certificate to James Mock
• keep a copy of the certificate for staff development records.

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Thank you for completing this staff development activity.

Please print the completion certificate.