Bill looks to expand right to carry guns in Ga.

ATLANTA (AP) -- The right to carry a gun would be expanded under a proposal from Georgia lawmakers.

Republican state Rep. Rick Jasperse submitted legislation Tuesday that would allow people with a government-issued license to carry guns to take their weapons into churches if religious leaders allow it. Churches are now off-limits.

The bill would also allow school districts to decide whether to arm an employee. GOP lawmakers have said they hope the provision will deter school attacks.

Similar legislation failed last year when supporters tried to allow older students to carry guns on college campuses. Lawmakers have now abandoned that proposal.

However, they are seeking to make it a civil penalty rather than a misdemeanor for a license holder to carry a gun on campus.