Last month the state House of Representatives passed House Bill 218 which expands the ability of citizens to defend themselves and their families, both within Georgia and in other states, while ensuring Second Amendment rights remain protected during emergencies. It recently passed the Senate Public Safety Committee and now awaits a floor vote by the full Senate prior to concurrence with the House.
Yet because of renewed pushback from the Left for gun control, it is feared some senators may be getting nervous about the bill without reason. However, proponents stress that nothing in this legislation expands who can possess a firearm or where they may do so. H.B. 218 simply protects lawful gun owners during a declared state of emergency and further recognizes all out-of-state carry permits.
The legislation also directs the Georgia’s attorney general to enter into formal reciprocity agreements with any state that requires a formal agreement to recognize a Georgia weapons carry license.
The National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action, which heralds the bill’s passage in a statement to InsiderAdvantage, says “this reform recognizes that Georgia residents traveling to other states, and visitors to Georgia, should not be left defenseless simply by crossing a state line. In addition, it prohibits government officials from suspending or restricting Second Amendment rights during declared states of emergencies, such as by confiscating firearms, restricting the carrying of firearms or discriminating against gun stores.”
During COVID-19 in 2020, H.B. 218 proponents note that gun control advocates holding local and state power took the opportunity to arbitrarily suspend Second Amendment rights by shutting down gun stores and ranges. This year state Rep. Mandi Ballinger, R-Canton, and other bill sponsors felt they had to protect Georgians’ rights because people in those localities and states were unable to buy guns and ammunition or to receive proper firearms training. Senate proponents share Ballinger’s view, and hope H.B. 218 is ultimately passed by the March 31st adjournment.
