Simone Lawson
On April 12, 2022, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) into law, allowing Georgians to carry concealed weapons in public without a license or background check. The bill, also known as constitutional carry or permitless carry, eliminates the need for state permission to carry a concealed firearm, ensuring the right to self-defense without government intervention. Governor Kemp's decision aligns with his support for the Second Amendment and his commitment to public safety, standing alongside law enforcement, and empowering citizens to defend themselves and their families. This move makes Georgia the 25th state to adopt constitutional carry legislation, marking a significant shift in the state's gun laws and generating both praise and criticism from various stakeholders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Governor | Brian P. Kemp |
| State | Georgia |
| Bill Number | SB 319 |
| Other Bills Signed | HB 218 |
| Date | April 12, 2022 |
| Bill Type | Constitutional Carry Act |
| Bill Status | Signed into law |
| Bill Description | Georgians can carry a concealed gun in public without a license or background check |
| Bill Supporters | NRA, Governor Brian Kemp, Representative Mandi Ballinger, Senator Jason Anavitarte, Speaker David Ralston, Representatives Alan Powell, Rick Jasperse, and J. Collins, Senate President Pro Tempore Butch Miller, Senator Brian Strickland, and other cosponsors |
| Opposition | Advocates for stricter gun laws |
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What You'll Learn
- Governor Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) into law in 2022
- The Act removes the need for a license or background check to carry a weapon in public
- It also grants universal recognition to concealed carry permits from other states
- Proponents argue it strengthens the right to self-defence and public safety
- Critics say it eliminates a key background check and will increase gun violence
Governor Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) into law in 2022
The Georgia Constitutional Carry Act is a significant development in the state's gun laws and has been a topic of discussion and debate among residents and lawmakers. The bill was passed by the Georgia General Assembly and sent to the governor's desk for signature. Governor Kemp, who had campaigned on this issue in 2018, promised to promptly sign the bill into law. He stated that it eliminates an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners and upholds the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
However, the bill has also faced opposition from advocates for stricter gun laws. They argue that it eliminates one of the few background checks in place and could allow dangerous criminals to obtain firearms easily. Despite the concerns, Governor Kemp pushed for "constitutional carry" and signed the bill into law, making Georgia the 25th constitutional carry state in the country.
In addition to the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act, Governor Kemp also signed House Bill 218 (HB 218). This bill grants universal recognition to concealed carry permits held by non-Georgia residents, allowing individuals licensed to carry a weapon in another state to do so in Georgia as well. It also directs the Georgia Attorney General to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states regarding weapons carry licenses. These bills together reinforce Georgia's stance on gun rights and self-defense for its citizens.
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The Act removes the need for a license or background check to carry a weapon in public
Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia has signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) into law. This act removes the requirement for a license or background check for Georgians to carry a weapon in public. The bill, also known as "constitutional carry" or "permitless carry", allows law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm without first obtaining government permission.
Governor Kemp, a supporter of the Second Amendment, has stated that the bill ensures that citizens have the right to self-defense and personal protection without government red tape or delays. He also mentioned that it upholds the constitutional right to bear arms, which does not include any conditions or restrictions. The act of signing this bill into law is seen as a victory for gun rights advocates and a step towards building a safer Georgia, according to the governor.
The Georgia Constitutional Carry Act has sparked mixed reactions among the public. Proponents of the bill argue that it eliminates an unnecessary burden on legal gun owners and strengthens their right to self-defense. They believe that law-abiding citizens should be able to protect themselves and their families without seeking permission from the state. Additionally, the act is seen as a way to uphold the Second Amendment and push back against what some perceive as attacks on lawful gun ownership by anti-gun legislators.
On the other hand, critics of the bill have raised concerns about public safety and the potential for dangerous individuals to bypass background checks. They argue that removing background checks eliminates one of the few safeguards in place to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. This is especially concerning given the current high levels of gun violence. Opponents of the bill worry that it creates a dangerous loophole that could endanger Georgians and make it easier for criminals to obtain weapons.
The Georgia Constitutional Carry Act also includes a license reciprocity measure (HB 218). This provision ensures that individuals who are licensed to carry a weapon in another state are authorized to do so in Georgia as well. This reciprocity agreement recognizes the rights of both Georgia residents traveling to other states and visitors to Georgia, ensuring that they can defend themselves while adhering to local laws.
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It also grants universal recognition to concealed carry permits from other states
Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) and a license reciprocity measure (HB 218) into law in April 2022. The latter ensures that individuals who are licensed to carry a weapon in another state are also authorized to do so in Georgia.
The bill signing ceremony was attended by First Lady Marty Kemp, two of the governor's daughters, state constitutional officers, legislators, and other special guests. In his remarks, Governor Kemp emphasized that the legislation upholds the safety and constitutional rights of Georgia's citizens and demonstrates support for law enforcement.
The enactment of HB 218 grants universal recognition to concealed carry permits from other states, meaning that Georgia now recognizes the validity of out-of-state permits for carrying concealed weapons within its borders. This move aligns with the concept of "permit reciprocity" or "reciprocity agreements" between states.
Permit reciprocity is a critical aspect of concealed carry, as it enables individuals with valid permits to legally carry their firearms across state lines. This is particularly advantageous for travelers who wish to maintain their ability to carry while moving between states. Each state has its own set of gun laws and regulations, and reciprocity agreements help to streamline the process, providing clarity and peace of mind for responsible gun owners.
It is important to note that the recognition of out-of-state permits may vary depending on the specific state and its laws. Some states have unilateral recognition of all permits, while others may limit recognition to residents of the permit-issuing state or impose additional requirements, such as training courses or safety exams. As such, it is essential for gun owners to stay informed about the laws in the states they intend to visit or travel through.
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Proponents argue it strengthens the right to self-defence and public safety
Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) and a license reciprocity measure (HB 218) into law in April 2022. This allows individuals licensed to carry a weapon in another state to do so in Georgia.
Proponents of constitutional carry argue that it strengthens the right to self-defence and enhances public safety. They view these rulings as an essential defence against government tyranny and an affirmation of individual liberty. The Second Amendment, they argue, protects an individual's right to possess a firearm for self-defence within the home.
The US Supreme Court's ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen declared that Americans have a constitutional right to carry a firearm in public places. The Court's 6-3 majority opinion, written by Justice Clarence Thomas, stated that the New York law requiring a "proper cause" to carry a gun outside the home violated the Second Amendment.
The Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society have contributed intellectual arguments supporting this conservative reinterpretation of the Second Amendment. They emphasize individual rights and argue that rising crime rates in urban areas justify these expanded gun rights.
Proponents of gun rights also argue that constitutional carry laws help build a safer state. Governor Kemp, for instance, stated that the legislation he signed would help create a "safer, stronger Georgia." He also mentioned that he and his wife bought their daughter her first firearm so that she could defend herself.
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Critics say it eliminates a key background check and will increase gun violence
On April 13, 2022, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) and a license reciprocity measure (HB 218) into law. The Act, also known as the permitless carry bill, allows individuals to carry a handgun in public without a license.
Critics argue that the Act eliminates a crucial background check and will lead to increased gun violence. They contend that the absence of a license requirement will make it easier for criminals and other prohibited individuals to obtain firearms. The current licensing process includes a background check, preventing convicted felons, individuals with violent misdemeanor convictions, and those deemed a danger to themselves or others from acquiring guns.
Sen. Elena Parent, a Democrat from DeKalb County, highlighted the potential consequences of removing this critical background check. She suggested that the bill would "remove one of the very small" ways of keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and certain other individuals. Democrats on the committee also questioned the impact of the bill on gun violence and public safety.
The bill's signing comes amid a backdrop of increasing gun-related incidents in Georgia. Between 2018 and 2021, homicides in Georgia rose by 23%, with a notable spike in Atlanta, where homicides jumped from 88 in 2018 to 158 in 2021. During the same period, family violence incidents involving firearms increased by 18%, and the number of illegal guns recovered from crime scenes in Georgia surged by 33%.
In addition to the Constitutional Carry Act, Governor Kemp has a history of supporting and signing legislation that weakens gun safety protections. Before taking office, Kemp made weak gun laws a key part of his 2018 campaign for governor. Once in office, he successfully attracted gun manufacturers to the state and passed legislation like the "stand your ground" law, which encourages residents to use "deadly force" in response to perceived threats.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia signed the constitutional carry bill into law on April 12, 2022.
The bill, also known as the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319), allows Georgians to carry a concealed firearm in public without a license or background check. It also grants recognition to concealed carry permits from other states.
Governor Kemp stated that the bill ensures that "law-abiding Georgians can protect themselves and their families" and that it "strengthens that God-given right." He also emphasized that it upholds the Second Amendment and the right to self-defense without government interference.
The response to Governor Kemp's signing of the bill has been mixed. The NRA and other supporters of the bill have thanked Governor Kemp for his support of the Second Amendment and pro-self-defense legislation. However, opponents of the bill have criticized it for eliminating background checks and creating a dangerous loophole in private gun sales.
