Georgia fans with concealed carry permits will likely have permission to take their handguns to tailgates this year as the Georgia state legislature has passed House Bill 280. The bill makes it legal to carry concealed firearms on college campuses outside of football stadiums, arenas and gymnasiums. The bill is set to become state law July 1.

While concealed firearms will not be permitted inside Georgia football stadiums, it will be legal for fans to carry at tailgates and campus prior to the game. According to College Football Talk, Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley released the following statement regarding the news.

“I understand that many of you have strong feelings about this bill. Yet, whether you opposed or supported the legislation, it will soon be state law, and I respectfully ask everyone to exercise patience, understanding and respect as we implement it.

“We all share the same goal of ensuring a safe campus environment. We should work together to implement the law as written and thoughtfully address any complications that may arise.”

A law temporarily passed in Arkansas this year that would have permitted fans to carry weapons inside Razorback Stadium, however, that law was quickly amended to prevent fans from carrying weapons inside the stadium.