ATLANTA, April 5 (UPI) -- A bill allowing people with weapons permits to carry guns in more public places in Georgia is headed to Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue.
The amended version of House Bill 89 passed by wide margins by both chambers this week but is not without controversy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Saturday.
"We're gratified that the bill passed," National Rifle Association spokesman Andrew Arulanandam said of Friday's passage.
However, the leader of an anti-gun group called it "awful."
"It's the most sweeping change in Georgia's history. It's awful," Georgians for Gun Safety member Alice Johnson said. "I think some of the folks who voted for it are going to regret it later."
Among the public places where holders of concealed gun permits would be able to take a weapon under the altered bill are Georgia restaurants, public transportation and state parks.
The newspaper said public parking lots, churches and sporting events, which previously were among the proposed sites where gun owners could legally carry concealed weapons, were not included in the final version.
