ATLANTA (WSAV) – Georgia lawmakers say tougher penalties for gun owners and universal background checks will reduce gun-related violence.
“Gun violence is the leading cause of death among teenagers in Georgia,” said State Rep. Anne Allen Westbrook (D-Savannah). “That wasn’t the case a decade ago. It’s getting worse and we need open conversations about it.”
She said, “We believe constitutional rights can coexist with safer gun laws.”
One bill headed for Gov. Kemp’s desk is House Bill 147 – The Schools Safe Act – which will require schools to conduct “active intruder warning” target practice in the event of an actual emergency.
Georgia Senate backs Kemp’s push for tougher gang sentences
“Some Democrats have taken a whole host of gun safety precautions, such as safekeeping, personal liability for the safekeeping of their own firearms and those who might commit crimes with them,” Rep. Westbrook said.
Senate Bill 44 – The Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act – will impose the harshest penalties for street gang offenses, while House Bill 462 would treat 17-year-olds in juvenile court as first-time offenders.
“Gang prosecution to make sure the law has the teeth. The governor established the GBI gang task force and has devoted energy to keeping an eye out for gangs in Georgia,” State Rep. Jodi Lott (R-Augusta) said.
Other suggestions include better training for police officers on how to deal with violence, body cameras and hiring the right candidates for the job.
