House Passes Legislation to Expand Citizens' Rights to Carry Firearms

(Media release)  The Georgia House of Representatives passed SB 291 yesterday by a vote of 120-37.  Carried in the House by state Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), SB 291 updates Georgia's concealed firearms laws. 

"SB 291 will dramatically improve law-abiding Georgian's second amendment rights," said Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome).  "This legislation expands where licensed holders may lawfully carry their firearms and eases their license renewal process."

Supported by the National Rifle Association (NRA), the bill also brings Georgia law into compliance with federal law regarding restrictions on persons eligible for a permit.  The bill also allows permit holders to carry firearms in non-secure areas of airports, such as airport pick-up and drop-off areas.  Other measures in the bill include an automatic renewal notification process for permit holders and protection against firearm seizure and registration by government officials.   

"This is a major victory for self-defense in Georgia, and I'd like to applaud bill sponsors Sen. David Shafer and Rep. Katie Dempsey for their steadfast efforts in the passage of this bill," said Randy Kozuch, director of NRA Institute for Legislative Action's State and Local Affairs. "As headlines remind us, violent crime can happen anywhere. Law-abiding Georgia residents now have the option to defend themselves and their loved ones should they be attacked in one more place."  

The bill now moves to the Governor for his consideration.  A link to the bill can be found by clicking here.

Representative Katie Dempsey represents the citizens of District 13, which includes portions of Floyd County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman for Higher Education and Secretary for the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee. She also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Health & Human Services, and Rules Committees.

 

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