Constitutional carry bill advances in Georgia

The state legislature in Georgia advanced a constitutional carry bill that would remove the license requirement for residents to carry a handgun in public.

A bill offered by state Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R) would make it so that any legal gun-owner in the state could carry a handgun — either openly or concealed — without needing a license to do so.

Democratic lawmakers have criticized the measure, claiming it would make it easier for criminals to get guns and warning that violence will increase. But Republicans counter that criminals don't abide by gun laws, which they say only serve to restrict the constitutional right to bear arms.

The bill was approved by the state Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and will next advance to a floor vote. Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has supported the bill, arguing Georgians have a constitutional right to self-defense.