Earlier today, the state Senate Rules Committee approved a weaker version of a gun bill. One that had the backing of one the nation's more powerful lobbying groups.
The original bill proposed by National Rifle Association would let any law-abiding employee lock their guns in their car in a workplace parking lot. The amended bill voted on by the state Senate Rules Committee allows only those gun owners with a conceal carry permit to leave their guns in their car at work. And, only if the owner of the workplace property said it was OK.
Following the vote, Rules Committee Chairman Don Balfour acknowledged it's a restrictive bill.
“You've got second amendment and personal property rights and you're trying to figure out with the wisdom of Solomon how to split the baby. How to do the right thing in the middle. If you're going to let someone carry a gun openly more often, obviously are the 300,000 who've had a background check.”Governor Perdue has signaled earlier this week he might veto the sweeping version of the bill initially sought by the NRA. Perdue said it trampled the private property rights of business owners. The gun measure is expected to face a vote on the Senate floor Thursday.
