GA Law Allows Handguns To Be Carried Without License, Gov. Kemp Signs

ATLANTA, GA — Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday afternoon signed a law that allows Georgians to carry handguns without a license.

Senate Bill 319, commonly called the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act, became law in a signing ceremony held at Gable's Sporting Goods in Douglasville. Kemp said he chose that location because it was where he bought one of his daughter's first handguns.

Supporters, including those who attended the signing, believe the law reinforces the constitutional right to keep and bear arms and to protect family and property without the red tape and costs associated with obtaining a gun permit.

"We want all Georgians to be able to rightly defend themselves," Kemp said during a news conference right before the signing. "SB319 makes sure law-abiding Georgians, including our daughters and your family, too, can protect themselves without having to get permission from your state government. The Constitution of the United States gives us that right — not the government."

Meanwhile, Georgia Democrats argue that the new gun law makes it easier for criminals and the mentally ill to carry guns in public places like movie theaters and churches.

Seven Georgia mayors also penned a letter to Kemp sharing their concerns over the approved legislation, asking him to reconsider signing the bill into law.

"SB 319 would create a new gun safety loophole by eliminating the permit requirement for anyone wanting to carry a concealed firearm in public – a process that includes a background check," a portion of the letter reads. "If this bill becomes law, it would be easier for individuals with a criminal history who purchased a gun through a private sale – which is not subject to a background check – to carry a weapon in our communities without any background check."

The mayors represent Buena Vista, Toomsboro, Brookhaven, Athens-Clarke County, Cuthbert, Savannah and Union City.

Federal law would still require licensed gun dealers to perform a background check on prospective purchasers in order to determine if they can legally purchase a firearm.

SEE ALSO:

• Bill To End Gun License Requirement Advances In GA Senate
• Carrying Handguns Without Permits In Georgia Inches Closer To Reality

Georgia is now the 25th state in the country to allow constitutional carry.