Concealed handguns may be allowed on college campuses statewide if a bill in the state legislature becomes law. House Bill 199 by Rep. Wooten, R-Belle Chasse, would allow individuals with a concealed handgun permit to carry their firearms on the campus of any college or university in the state.

The bill has cleared the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee and is pending action on the House floor.

Currently, colleges and universities are considered a “firearm-free zone.”

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.

The bill allows the governing bodies of higher education to establish rules and regulations regarding the storage of firearms on campus.

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.

The University’s administration and Student Government Association publicly opposed the bill at a press conference in April.

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

Hulbert believes that 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 is a co-signer of a resolution from the University of Louisiana System Council of Presidents opposing the bill.

Hulbert and members of SGA also attended a rally in opposition to House Bill 199 on the steps of the State Capitol last month. The rally was organized by the Council of Student Body Presidents and featured speakers from throughout the state protesting the measure.

Former SGA President Olinda Ricard is a co-signer of a resolution passed by the Council of Student Body Presidents, which opposes House Bill 199.