SACRAMENTO >> The California Assembly has approved a bill that would ban concealed weapons from schools and universities throughout the state.

Lawmakers on Tuesday advanced SB707 by Democratic Sen. Lois Wolk of Davis on a partisan 42-23 vote. The bill removes an exemption that currently allows people with concealed weapons permits to carry firearms on school grounds.

Supporters say current and retired law enforcement officials would still be allowed to protect campuses. It is backed by police agencies and gun control advocates.

GOP lawmakers who opposed the bill said removing the exemption would limit the number of people who can respond to a school shooting.

Republican Assemblywoman Shannon Grove of Bakersfield said it also prevents female college students from protecting themselves.

The bill now goes to the Senate for a final vote.

“Many would be surprised, as I was, to learn that California law currently allows concealed firearms on any campus, even on an elementary school campus,” said Wolk. “With (the) Assembly vote, we are close to sending the Governor a common sense bill that will close this loophole in our Gun Free Schools Act, helping our school officials control firearms on their campuses.”

SB 707 includes an exemption for honorably retired law enforcement officers and reserve officers, who may carry a concealed firearm if authorized by their former agency. The bill also allows for police chiefs or school districts to adopt their own policies that may allow a concealed firearm on campus if they deem it appropriate.

“This bill puts control of firearms on campus grounds squarely where it belongs, with those public safety officials responsible for the safety of our students and staff on school or college campuses,” said Assemblymember Bill Dodd (D-Napa), who carried the measure on the Assembly Floor.

SB 707 is sponsored by the California College and University Police Chiefs Association. The bill is supported by a broad coalition of law enforcement and education organizations including the California Police Chiefs Association, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, the University of California, California State University, the California School Boards Association, the California School Employees Association, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence and many others.