Simone Lawson
On March 31, 2022, the House Rules Committee passed Constitutional Carry legislation (SB-319), making it eligible for a vote in the full House of Representatives. The bill, which would make Georgia the 25th Constitutional Carry state, was expected to receive a floor vote in the House of Representatives as early as the next day. The bill would remove some of the requirements currently in place for gun carrying in the state.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Georgia Gun Owners push for SB-319
Georgia Gun Owners (GGO) are pushing for SB-319, or the "Georgia Constitutional Carry Act of 2021", to be passed into law. This bill would make Georgia the 25th US state to allow constitutional carry, following 21 other states that have enacted similar legislation. GGO members have successfully forced the Senate to pass the bill through the State Senate, and now they are urging the House Public Safety Committee to pass it as well. The bill would then be sent to Governor Brian Kemp's desk for signature.
SB-319 would make several changes to Georgia's laws regarding the possession and carrying of firearms. It would remove the requirement for a weapons carry license to possess or carry a handgun or long gun in most public places, with certain exceptions like government buildings and schools. Instead, it would allow "lawful weapons carriers" to carry firearms without a license. Lawful weapons carriers include those who are licensed or eligible for a license under existing law, as well as out-of-state residents who would be eligible for a Georgia license.
The bill also revises the laws around carrying firearms in parks, wildlife management areas, and other recreational areas to align with the new "lawful weapons carrier" framework. Additionally, it modifies the definition of "handgun" and other firearm-related terms in the law. GGO considers SB-319 to be a better version of Constitutional Carry than the House's version, HB-1358, because it opens up the freedom to carry firearms to anyone who isn't barred by law from owning one.
GGO is urging its members to send tens of thousands of emails to the Public Safety Committee and the Rules Committee, demanding that they pass SB-319 without any weakening amendments. They are also asking members to send pre-written emails to Speaker of the House David Ralston, telling him to stop stalling the bill. GGO warns that Ralston may try to add last-minute amendments to the bill that would greatly weaken its impact, such as a residency requirement or a 'duty to notify' requirement that could lead to unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement.
Colorado's Constitutional Carry: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
House Bill 1358
HB-1358 intends to make specific changes to the law regarding the use and possession of handguns in parks, historic sites, and recreational areas. It seeks to define the terms related to firearm possession and transportation to ensure clarity and consistency in the legislation. Additionally, the bill aims to address the carrying of firearms in multiple areas covered under different parts of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
The bill has seen some opposition, with some considering it a ""disaster" for Constitutional Carry. Critics argue that the bill limits Constitutional Carry to individuals who can successfully obtain a Georgia Weapons License. This requirement is seen as restrictive and contrary to the principles of Constitutional Carry. However, supporters of the bill have forced the House to improve it with committee amendments, and it continues to be a topic of discussion and debate.
The passage of HB-1358 in the House has been a subject of interest for gun rights advocates in Georgia. On March 11, 2022, the bill passed its first House vote with 94 Yeas and 57 Nays. However, it subsequently failed to pass in another House vote on March 15, 2022, with 65 Yeas and 94 Nays. The bill's progression through the legislative process has been closely monitored, with gun owners' groups encouraging members to take action and express their support or opposition to their representatives.
Abbott's Constitutional Carry: What Does It Mean?
You may want to see also
Georgia becomes 25th Constitutional Carry state
On 13 April 2022, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) into law, making Georgia the 25th Constitutional Carry state in the US. The bill was passed by the House on 11 March 2022, with a vote of 94-57. The bill allows law-abiding adults residents of Georgia, who are legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm, to do so without first having to obtain government permission.
Background
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp had been pushing to loosen handgun rules in the state. He had announced his support for legislation that would remove some of the requirements currently in place for gun carrying in the state. The governor had also stated his support for constitutional carry, provided the bill was in the best interest of the public.
The Bills
The Georgia House passed two bills—House Bill 1358 and Senate Bill 319. While the former was the House's version of the Constitutional Carry bill, the latter was the Senate's version. The House Rules Committee passed the SB-319, making it eligible for a vote in the full House of Representatives. The bill allows Constitutional Carry to apply to every Georgian who can meet the criteria to obtain a Georgia Weapons License (GWL), out-of-state residents who would be able to meet the criteria of a GWL if they were residents, and anyone who has a carry permit issued from another state.
Criticism
The bills have been criticized for the lack of background checks, which is similar to the system Georgia already has in place. Critics have also pointed out that the "bad guys with guns" will now enjoy the right to carry a weapon without a carry permit.
Missouri's Recognition of Oklahoma's Constitutional Carry Law
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Governor Brian Kemp signs SB-319
On April 12, 2022, Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia signed SB-319, also known as the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act, into law. The bill removes the requirement for a concealed carry permit for adults aged 21 and above who are not prohibited from owning a firearm. With the signing of this bill, Georgia became the 25th Constitutional Carry state in the US.
The bill was passed by the Georgia House of Representatives without any amendments, despite concerns about potential last-minute changes by Ralston. The House Rules Committee passed the bill, making it eligible for a vote in the full House. The bill faced opposition from Senate Democrats and was criticised for being rushed through the State Senate.
Governor Kemp celebrated the signing of the bill, stating that it would help build a "safer, stronger Georgia". He emphasised the importance of the Second Amendment and the right to self-defence. The bill was also supported by the Firearms Policy Coalition, which issued a statement following its passage.
In addition to SB-319, Governor Kemp also signed HB 218, a license reciprocity measure, into law. The bill signing ceremony was attended by the First Lady, Marty Kemp, two of the Governor's daughters, state constitutional officers, legislators, and other special guests.
Governor Kemp has continued to prioritise public safety and supporting first responders, signing additional legislation such as HB 130, which provides student loan repayment for full-time peace officers, and SB 10, which creates penalties for facilitating drag racing.
Abbott's Constitutional Carry: The Signing Date and Its Impact
You may want to see also
Amendments to the bill
On March 21, 2022, Indiana became the 24th state to institute constitutional carry, and as of March 31, 2022, Georgia was poised to become the 25th.
The Georgia Gun Owners (GGO) group has been pushing for the passage of the Constitutional Carry bill (SB-319) in the House. The bill seeks to extend the right to carry a firearm to any law-abiding American who meets the criteria for a Georgia Weapons License (GWL) or has a license to carry a firearm from another state.
GGO members have been urging the Public Safety Committee to pass SB-319 and the Rules Committee to pass the House Bill (HB-1358). They have also been requesting supporters to send pre-written emails to their State Representatives, asking them to vote for the bill without any weakening amendments.
There is concern that Speaker Ralston may try to add last-minute amendments to the bill that could reduce its scope. These amendments could include a residency requirement, a 'duty to notify' requirement for gun owners to inform police they are carrying a firearm, or a provision allowing gun owners to be detained by law enforcement to verify they are not felons in possession of a firearm.
GGO members have been successful in forcing the House to improve the initial version of HB-1358 with committee amendments, and they are now pushing for a final vote on either of the bills. While there were three proposed amendments to SB-319, none of them were brought to the floor for a vote.
Understanding HB 1927: Constitutional Carry Law Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The House voted 94-57 to pass House Bill 1358 on March 11, 2022.
House Bill 1358, or HB-1358, is the House's version of Constitutional Carry legislation. It allows law-abiding adults who are legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm to do so without obtaining government permission.
Senate Bill 319, or SB-319, is the Senate's version of Constitutional Carry legislation. It applies to every Georgian who can meet the criteria to obtain a Georgia Weapons License, out-of-state residents who would meet the criteria if they were Georgia residents, and anyone with a carry permit from another state.
House Bill 1358 was considered a disaster by gun rights advocates because it limited Constitutional Carry to people who could successfully obtain a Georgia Weapons License. Senate Bill 319 was preferred because it opened up the freedom to carry a firearm to anyone who wasn't barred by law from owning one.
Yes, Governor Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) into law on April 13, 2022.
![Byrna SD [Self Defense] Kinetic Launcher Ultimate Bundle - Non Lethal Kinetic Projectile Launcher, Home & Personal Defense | Proudly Assembled in The USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wu-phEIPL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
