Colleges and universities are one step closer to permitting students, staff and visitors to bring concealed firearms to campus after the Senate State Affairs Committee voted to move it forward Wednesday.
The 7-2 decision comes as proponents argue that the bill is necessary to uphold second amendment rights and allow students and staff to protect themselves.
A BSU psychology professor was among those who testified in favor of the bill, describing her terror when a former student threatened to kill her last month.
Opponents said the bill, which allows retired law enforcement and enhanced concealed carry permit holders to bring firearms to class, will be costly to implement and leaves colleges unable to guarantee the safety of those on campus.
The bill is headed to the full Senate for debate.