Gov. Nathan Deal, who was hesitant to pass any new gun legislation in Georgia this year following the massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, says he could support a bill introduced by a Cartersville Republican.

The measure by Rep. Paul Battles would allow schools to arm administrators who receive the same extensive firearms training as police officers.

The bill is geared toward to those school systems in Georgia that cannot afford their own police force.

“If someone is going to be in an environment around children, in particular, they certainly need to be trained,” says Deal. “I understand the point of view of the author of that legislation and I think it’s one that may receive favorable consideration by the General Assembly.”

The governor also supports tightening Georgia’s process of checking mental health records for gun permits.

“We are working on legislation that would focus on that particular area because we do think that is one that we need to take some additional action on,” says Deal.

He spoke to reporters before Pres. Barrack Obama made his announcement regarding a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons and large capacity magazines.

Deal says much of any new-gun control measures will fall to the federal government.