ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp will push for a new state law that would relax the state’s handgun requirements.
Kemp visited a gun store outside of Atlanta on Wednesday morning to announce his support for legislation that would eliminate the need for a license to carry a handgun in public.
In his speech, the governor drew heavily on concerns about crime, adding that people are “fed up” and “safety can’t just come from local government.” He then explained that the new law would give Georgians the opportunity to protect themselves and their families.
“I believe the constitution grants the citizens of our state the right to carry a firearm without a permit from the state government,” Kemp said, adding that “for law-abiding Georgians, their permit to carry is our nation’s founding document.”
While Gov. Kemp said the details for the bill are still being worked out, he mentioned that he is working to get constitutional enforcement of the line during the current legislative session.
The move comes as he faces a major challenge from fellow Republican David Perdue in this year’s gubernatorial race. More than 20 other states allow concealed guns in public without a permit.
Opponents have said such laws escalate the danger to law enforcement and the public.
