Ga. debates relaxing gun laws for mentally ill

ATLANTA - While some states push to tighten gun control laws, some Georgia lawmakers are trying to ease rules preventing some mentally ill people from getting licenses to carry firearms.

Legislation up for a vote Thursday would allow people who have voluntarily sought inpatient treatment for mental illness or substance abuse to get such licenses.

The same bill also attempts to make it easier for officials to check on whether applicants have ever received involuntary treatment. Georgia also may change its laws to allow people to carry guns in churches, bars and on college campuses.

Judges now have discretion over whether to issue a license to carry a weapon to anyone who has received inpatient treatment at a mental hospital or substance abuse treatment center in the last five years.