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Bill To Allow Guns On University Campuses Moves Forward

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A bill that would allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry guns on state university campuses is advancing in the Legislature.

The Senate Criminal Justice Committee voted 3-2 on Wednesday in favor of the bill.

The vote came after testimony from people with strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

Opponents said allowing guns in an atmosphere that is often stressful is a mistake. They also said campuses are among the safest places in the country, so there's no need to add guns.

But supporters said people have a constitutional right to carry guns to protect themselves. They also argued that people who have been licensed to carry guns very rarely use them to commit a crime.

A similar bill has failed the last two regular legislative sessions.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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