Yesterday the state House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee approved House Bill 787 and it now heads to the floor for a vote at some point. The National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action is blunt about the need: “It is a critical bill to expand the ability of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their families both within Georgia and in other states.”
Sponsored by state Rep. Mandi Ballinger, R-Canton, House Bill 787 grants recognition to concealed carry permits held by non-Georgia residents issued by the 49 other states. It also directs 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. “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,” an NRA statement says.
Over in the other legislative chamber, state Sen. Bill Heath, R-Bremen, wants to allow permitted owners to carry their guns in houses of worship, as well as schools operated by those religious organizations, for added protection against shooters. Heath said he was motivated to introduce Senate Bill 357 due to various shootings at places of worship, including one in Texas two months ago where a parishioner shot and killed a crazed gunman about to murder defenseless congregants.
“It would be a huge disservice to the members and attendees of Georgia’s places of worship to continue to leave them as sitting ducks for evil people who seek to murder and maim them in the one place where they should be most safe,” he said.
A Senate panel discussed Senate Bill 357 yesterday, which Heath hopes is the first step to getting a committee vote soon.
Current state law allows church members to carry weapons only if the place of worship’s governing body lets them.
