The state House of Representatives yesterday 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.
The legislation grants universal recognition to concealed carry firearm permits held by non-Georgia residents, issued by any other state. It 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.
H.B. 218 now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
