Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed a controversial bill into law. State residents will now be allowed to carry handguns without a license or a background check.
The bill was signed into law on Tuesday. Kemp also signed a second measure that allows concealed weapons permit holders from other states the right to carry legally in Georgia, Fox5 Atlanta News reported.
The Georgia Senate passed what has been dubbed the “Constitutional Carry Act” at the beginning of the month, which then sent it to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Kemp called the bill a public safety measure.
“SB 319 makes sure that law-abiding Georgians — law-abiding Georgians, including our daughters and your family too — can protect themselves without having the permission of the state government. The constitution of the United States gives us that right, not the government,” Kemp said Tuesday. “HB 218 ensures that individuals who are licensed to carry in another state are also authorized to do so here in Georgia.”
During his 2018 campaign for governor, Kemp vowed to push for the legislation, however, little was done to advance it. But the measure was revived this year, now that Kemp faces opposition in this year’s primary.
“I think that’s great,” said David Perdue. “It’s too bad it took four years to get it done and it’s too bad it took me getting in the race for them to get any energy to get that done, but I’m glad it’s getting done.”
Kemp pushed back on Perdue’s assessment, saying, “Well, you had to get the votes in the legislature,” Gov. Kemp explained. “But look, he was in the United States Senate for six years. I don’t ever remember him pushing this bill up there. It’d be great if they did that at the federal level. We wouldn’t have to do it with all the states.”
Republican supporters pushed for the legislation to allow people to more easily protect themselves amid the rise in crime, supporting their argument by saying criminals may think twice since they don’t know if their potential victim may be carrying.
“This isn’t a bill that’s going to create more crime. This is allowing law-abiding citizens to carry a weapon without a license in Georgia,” said state Sen. Jason Anavitarte, R-Dallas.
Democrats have highlighted that the legislation does away with background checks that was triggered by the license application, and feel it will fuel shooting deaths.
“This legislation will potentially allow individuals with a criminal history who purchase a gun through a private sale to legally carry a hidden, loaded weapon in our communities,” said state Rep. Kimberly Alexander, D-Hiram.
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