Bill To End Gun License Requirement Advances In GA Senate

Atlanta GA

03 February, 2022

12:22 PM

Description

GEORGIA — You may not need a license to carry a gun in public in Georgia if some state lawmakers get their way. Tuesday, in a 6-3 vote, the Senate Committee on Judiciary recommended the passage of Senate Bill 319 — also known as the "Georgia Constitutional Carry Act of 2021." "Evil resides in the heart of the individual, not in material objects and since objects or instrumentalities in and of themselves are not dangerous or evil, in a free and just society, the civil government should not ban or restrict their possession or use," a portion of the bill reads. Currently, Georgians can apply for a weapons carry license (WCL) through their local probate court. Residents age 21 and up must fill out an application, pay a $75 license fee, be fingerprinted and submit to a background check. Critics said, however, that SB319 would eliminate much of the process and allow gun owners to carry their guns in public without a license. Sen. Jason Anavitarte, a Republican co-sponsor of the bill, told FOX 5 that gun purchases would still trigger background checks and restrict who can carry a concealed weapon, including convicted felons and the mentally ill. Meanwhile, a handful of state Democrats, like Sen. Elena Parent, who oppose the bill called for tougher gun laws in the state — rather than ones that make it easier for guns to get into the wrong hands. "We need to protect and strengthen our current gun laws for the safety and prosperity of our communities, rather than eliminate what in some cases is our only layer of protection," she posted on Facebook. "Permitless carry undermines the state's ability to ensure only law-abiding citizens possess a weapon in public. Violent crime is on the rise across the state and SB 319 will only make things worse," she continued. In a tweet from Georgia Senate Democrats, it called the bill "rushed" and paved the way for more guns in public buildings. "More guns for more people in more places is the WRONG direction for GA," it said. Meanwhile, gun groups like, GA2A, are pleased that the bill is one step closer to becoming law. "Our organization is grateful for Senator Anavitarte and his unapologetic support of the 2nd Amendment. Through SB319, we are one step closer to restoring the Constitutional Rights afforded to every law-abiding citizen in Georgia," Jerry Henry, Executive Director of GA2A, said in a statement. Speaking last month at Adventure Outdoors, a gun shop in Smyrna, Gov. Brian Kemp announced his support of the "constitutional carry" bill and that he would sign it into law. "For law-abiding Georgians, their carry permit is a founding document of our nation, and I look forward to working with the members of the House in the Senate to get constitutional carry across the finish line this legislative session," he said during the news conference. SB319 is now under consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.