State lawmakers will once again consider a measure allowing concealed handguns on college campuses during the 2009 legislative session. House Bill 27 by Rep. Ernest Wooten, R-Belle Chasse, would allow individuals with a concealed handgun permit to carry a firearm on the campus of any college or university in the state.

During the 2008 legislative session, the bill was approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee, but was never brought to a full vote of the chamber.

Currently, colleges and universities are considered “firearm-free zones,” which prohibit individuals from carrying a gun while on campus.

The bill would amend the zone to allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry a handgun on or within 1,000 feet of a college campus.

House Bill 27 allows the governing bodies of higher education to establish rules and regulations regarding the storage of firearms on campus. However, the bill also prohibits rules or regulations limiting or abridging the ability of a person with a concealed handgun permit from lawfully carrying the firearm.

Last April, the University administration and Student Government Association publicly opposed the bill at a press conference.

“I came not to speak in opposition to having possession of a gun,” University President Stephen Hulbert said.

Allowing concealed handguns on campus would make the job of University Police officers more difficult.

“My responsibility is to the safety of a University,” Hulbert said. “To that end, I believe it is appropriate to limit guns to the trained hands of law enforcement officers, especially University Police.”

Hulbert co-signed a resolution last year from the University of Louisiana System Council of Presidents opposing the previous bill.