Kemp indicators legislation permitting folks to hold handguns and not using a license in Georgia

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Gov. Brian Kemp signs bills allowing people to carry guns in Georgia without a license. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation Tuesday allowing Georgia residents to carry handguns in public without a license or background check.

The Georgia Senate passed the bill in early April and sent it to the governor’s desk for signature.

Kemp said the bill was a public safety measure.

“SB 319 ensures that law-abiding Georgians — law-abiding Georgians, including our daughters and your family as well — can protect themselves without having state government permission. The United States Constitution gives us that right, not the government,” Kemp said Tuesday. “HB 218 ensures that persons who are authorized to carry in another state are also authorized to do so here in Georgia.”

The governor initially promised the measure when he first ran for governor in 2018, but little has been done to move it forward. It has now been revived as Kemp faces opposition from former US Republican David Perdue and others in this year’s primary. Longtime gun rights advocates have credited Kemp’s advocacy with driving the issue forward.

Governor Kemp signs Constitutional Transfer Act

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is expected to sign legislation Tuesday allowing Georgia residents to carry handguns in public without a license or background check.

Republican supporters say the measure is needed to make it easier for people to protect themselves after a spike in crime — arguing criminals may think twice about not knowing if their potential victim might be pregnant.

“This is not a law that will create more crime. It allows law-abiding citizens to carry a gun without a license in Georgia,” said Sen. Jason Anavitarte.

Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. and Springfield Armory Inc. semi-automatic pistols for sale at Hiram’s Guns/Firearms Unknown store in El Cajon, California. (Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Democrats have indicated that a background check prompted by the license application will be scrapped, and they say it will result in shooting deaths.

“When you see that because of our lax laws, people are regularly dying from flying bullets … you will realize that we have far more people, children and innocent bystanders killed than anyone has ever been saved,” Sen. Elena told parents.

What are the current gun carrying laws in Georgia?

Currently, Georgians are required to hold a gun-carrying license, or WCL, to carry a concealed weapon in public, although in many places people can carry rifles and shotguns without a license, and in cases carry unloaded weapons. Residents must apply for a WCL through their county probate court.

Applicants must pass a criminal background check, pay an average fee of $75, and provide their fingerprints. Convicted felons and those who were hospitalized for mental health problems or treated for drugs or alcohol in the years prior to the application are not eligible.

The law would still make it illegal for convicted felons to carry guns. You would still have to do a background check to buy a handgun from a licensed Georgia dealer.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.