By State Representative Jeff Jones (R-Brunswick)
(303 words)
Without a doubt, this is a troubling time in America. Mass shootings have been happening with seemingly greater intensity. HB 280, the “campus carry” bill, sponsored by Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R-Canton), would permit 21 year old, licensed concealed carry permit holders to carry a concealed weapon on Georgia’s publicly funded college campuses, but not in dorms, on-campus preschools or at athletic events. The following is my publicly stated position on this very difficult issue.
First, let me share some eye-opening statistics about deaths occurring as a result of mass shootings in America from the FBI:
• 14.3 = number of deaths, on average, in mass shootings when everyone in the victim group is unarmed.
• 2.3 = number of deaths, on average, in mass shootings when at least one person in the victim group is armed.
The statistics are similar throughout the country. Cities and states with the toughest gun laws have the highest number of deaths due to gun violence and have the highest overall violent crime rates. Alternatively, cities and states that allow concealed carry permits have the lowest number of deaths due to gun violence and have the lowest overall violent crime rates.
While I certainly do not like what our society has turned into, the facts are clear: licensed concealed carry permit holders are among the most law abiding citizens in our great country, and they help to keep the rest of our citizens safe.
As I mentioned, the campus carry bill would only allow licensed concealed carry permit holders over 21 to carry their weapon on campus, but not in dorms, on-campus preschools or at athletic events. I agree with the premise that allowing college students who are licensed concealed carry permit holders to be armed on campus will reduce the number of deaths occurring in these tragic, horrific situations.
Representative Jeff Jones represents the citizens of District 167, which includes portions of Glynn, Long, and McIntosh counties. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2014, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Motor Vehicles Committee. He also serves on the Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, and Science & Technology committees.
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