Georgia House Passes Constitutional Carry, Governor Kemp Approves

On March 11, 2022, the Georgia House passed the Constitutional Carry bill, HB 1358, 94 to 57, with 5 Representatives not voting, and 24 excused. HB 1358 defines a “lawful weapons carrier” as a person who is eligible for a license to carry, any non-resident who would otherwise be eligible for a license to carry, and any person from another state who has a license to carry a weapon in another state. The bill then removes restrictions from carry in many areas which were previously restricted. Here is an example, showing part of the proposed law:

(f) Notwithstanding 16-12-127, any lawful weapons carrier may carry a weapon in all parks, historic sites, or recreational areas, as such term is defined in Code Section 12-3-10, including all publicly owned buildings located in such parks, historic sites, and recreational areas, in wildlife management areas, and on public transportation; provided, however, that a person shall not carry a handgun into a place where it is prohibited by federal law.

A separate Senate measure, SB 319, passed on February 28th, 34 to 22. The two bills now need to be rectified between the two chambers.