Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed into signs bill allowing people to carry concealed weapons without a permit. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images)
On Tuesday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed into law a bill that will allow most residents to carry a concealed weapon without having a permit. The bill, which supporters call “constitutional carry,” passed legislative back on April 1st.
According to CNN, those previously eligible for a concealed carry license can now carry a concealed weapon without a permit. However, the law does not apply to those prohibited from owning a gun, including convicted felons and minors. The law won’t allow weapons inside the airport and secured government buildings.
Governor Kemp said he believes the bill will allow residents “to protect themselves without having to have permission from your state government.” The bill officially went into effect upon his signature.
The Atlanta Journal Consitution reports that Kemp signed the bill outside of Gable Sporting Goods in Douglasville, which is where he purchased his daughter’s first handgun.
Outside of the gun retailer is where Kemp explained his stance on Georgia residents carrying without a license, telling reporters:
“People don’t have to carry if they don’t want to. But this is a constitutional authority that people have, and they certainly shouldn’t have a piece of paper from the government to be able to legally carry a weapon.”
The Governor also made clear that the necessary background checks will still have to be performed when purchasing a gun from a store or a dealer. The state’s permitting process will still stand as it is. In addition, Georgia residents are allowed to take part in gun carry “reciprocity” with other states. This “allows gun owners to carry concealed handguns in states that offer the same permissions.”
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TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
