The Georgia Senate recently passed legislation that would eliminate the need for law-abiding Georgians to have a permit to carry a concealed firearm. | Pixabay
The Georgia Senate recently passed legislation that would eliminate the need for law-abiding Georgians to have a permit to carry a concealed firearm. | Pixabay
Republican lawmakers in Georgia passed a bill Feb. 28 that will end the need for law-abiding citizens to obtain a license to carry a handgun in public.
"This bill is about people, not politics. It's about the good guys," Sen. Jason Anavitarte told Fox 5 Atlanta. "Today, we empower good people, law-abiding people.”
Senate Bill 319 passed 34-22, along party lines, after about 90 minutes of debate, Fox 5 reported. It now heads to the House.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp recently publicly backed the measure, making an appearance at a gun store to voice his support.
Law-abiding Georgians — especially those in Atlanta, which has seen a spike in violent crime — deserve the right to carry concealed without a permit, Kemp said, according to Fox 5.
Republicans have argued the bill would remove an unnecessary burden on people seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights, Fox 5 reported. Democrats contend the bill will make it easier for criminals to obtain firearms.
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