After very little debate, the state House has passed, for a second time, a bill to expand where guns can be carried in Georgia.

The measure, originally HB 512, was merged with SB 101 earlier this week in committee.

The House bill allowed carry permit holders to bring their guns into churches that opt into the law, government buildings that lack security, and college campuses except in dorms or sporting events.

The Senate bill allows veterans under 21, who are honorably discharged from the military, to be able to get a carry permit in order to work security jobs.

Rep. Donna Sheldon (R-Dacula) says it’s important for Georgians to able to protect themselves.

“We all know that criminals who want to harm law abiding citizens in Georgia are not concerned about Senate Bill 101 or our Georgia carry laws, she says. “They carry their guns regardless of what state law says.”

The only person to speak against the measure was Rep. Charles Gregory (R-Kennesaw) who complains it was watered down from what was originally proposed.

“It shouldn’t be a great feat for this House to pass a clean gun bill,” he says.  “As it stands now, Senate Bill 101 will likely confuse guns owners as much as it will have any practical effect on reducing infringement by the state.”

The bill originally allowed pastors or deacons to decide whether to allow guns in their church.  But now if churches do not opt it, it would still be illegal to have a firearm at church.

Gregory also complains that college dorms are still exempt.

“Even 21-year-old adults that live on a college campus deserve the same respect for their rights as everyone else,” she says.

Because the two bills were merged into the Senate measure, it must now go back across the hall for Senators to agree or disagree with the changes.