Georgia: House Passes Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill

[Charlie T Waite]

Today, the House passed House Bill 218. The bill expands the ability of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their families, both within Georgia and in other states, and also ensures that Second Amendment rights remain protected during emergencies. HB 218 will now go to the Senate for further consideration. Please contact your state senator and ask them to SUPPORT HB 218.

House Bill 218 grants universal recognition to concealed carry permits held by non-Georgia residents, issued by any other state. It also directs the Georgia 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.

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 the COVID-19 pandemic, many anti-gun officials around the country, at both state and local levels of government, took the opportunity to unilaterally suspend Second Amendment rights by shutting down gun stores and ranges. Unfortunately, this coincided with many Americans trying to exercise their Second Amendment rights for the first time during those times of uncertainty, and resulted in them being unable to access arms, ammunition, or proper training. HB 218 protects the exercise of a constitutional right from such politically motivated attacks, and ensures that citizens have those rights when they need them most.

NRA would like to thank Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R-23) and the other sponsors for their hard work on this issue. Again, please contact your senator and ask them to SUPPORT HB 218.