Democrat lawmakers have brought forth legislation which would require training requirements for Georgians seeking to have a weapons carry license.
The bill was filed this week by State Senators Emanuel Jones, Elena Parent, Nan Orrock, Freddie Powell Sims, Jen Jordan, and Valencia Seay.
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Senator Elena Parent (Photo: Georgia Senate)
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Senator Nan Orrock (Photo: Georgia State Senate)
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Senator Freddie Powell Sims (Photo: Georgia State Senate)
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Senator Jen Jordan (Photo: Georgia Senate)
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Valencia Seay, Photo: Georgia State Senate
The language of the bill specifically requires training requirements in order for a weapons carry license, or conceal carry permit as it is often referred to, in Georgia.
The proposal would require mandated participation in a handgun education course by a training organization approved by the Georgia Department of Public Safety. The bill outlines exactly what would be required in the class, which includes:
- an 8 hour course
- Information on the laws of this state relating to handguns and the use of deadly force
- Information on handgun use and safety
- Information on the proper storage practice for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that reduce the possibility of accidental injury to a child
- actual firing of a handgun in the presence of the instructor at an established
shooting range authorized by the governing body of the jurisdiction where such shooting range is located
SB 78 provides exemptions for:
- handgun instructors approved by the Georgia Department of Public Safety,
- active duty armed forces members, and
- a person who “demonstrates to the commissioner of public safety, or his or her designee, that he or she has a proficiency in both the use of handguns and the laws of this state pertaining to handguns”
- This does not explicitly provide an exemption for law enforcement, but would likely apply
The bill has been assigned to the Senate Public Safety Committee.
You can contact the sponsors of the bill by email here:
jennifer.jordan@senate.ga.gov
emanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov
elena.parent@senate.ga.gov
nan.orrock@senate.ga.gov
freddie.sims@senate.ga.gov
valencia.seay@senate.ga.gov
You can read the bill below. (Click here if you’re having difficulty loading the PDF)
SB 78_2019
Rick Ellison
February 11, 2019 at 8:40 am
All,
As a member of Moms Demand Action and a survivor of my daughters death I thank you for this step forward towards gun sense in the state of Georgia. I whole heartily support your efforts to pass SB 78.
Richard A. Ellison Sr. President R.U.F.F. (Retiree Unite For the Future)
Robert
February 11, 2019 at 3:09 pm
Another unnecessary hurdle trying to be placed upon law-abiding citizens in an attempt to curtail their Second Amendment rights. Seeing how most accidental shootings and suicides happen at home where a carry permit is not required, I doubt this training requirement will have much affect on those senseless deaths. All this will do is fuel a new cottage industry and deter some citizens from getting a legal weapons carry license. I wonder how this will be dealt with if or when Georgia becomes an Open Carry State?
George Danz
February 11, 2019 at 8:21 pm
I’ve often held that ALL Americans should be somewhat proficient in the use of firearms. You might not know that ALL Swiss heads of households must have a weapon in the home (usually a rifle). I assume they know how to use it as well. It is well-known that sensible people do not attack armed folks.
Samuel Hay
February 12, 2019 at 7:22 am
Prospective Senators and Representatives should be required to take an IQ test before qualifying and it should be posted on social media.