A proposed law aims to eliminate the need for a gun carrying license in Georgia.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC / WMGT) – Howard Reed has been a gun owner for more than 40 years. He says his love of gun collecting inspired him to open a gun shop in Macon 20 years ago.
As someone who handles guns every day, he hopes it will be easier for others too.
“I would immediately say that if it were possible to make it easier for people to get their personal protection, I would do anything for it,” said Reed.
Governor Brian Kemp on Wednesday expressed support for a proposed law called “Constitutional Carry”. The bill was first presented to the Georgia House of Representatives last February. After some changes during the last session, the makers are ready to re-submit it in this legislative session.
“We are aware that public safety is not just a matter of the state government,” said Governor Kemp. “Building a safer, stronger Georgia begins with hard-working Georgians able to protect themselves and their families.”
The bill aims to allow Georgians to carry a firearm without first having to apply for a gun permit. At the moment, Georgians can carry a hidden weapon but must apply for a license from their district’s probate court. Applicants are then fingerprinted and required to pass a criminal background check. The average fee for maintaining the license is around $ 75.
Reed hopes that when the law becomes law, it will be harder for criminals to choose a target.
“Perhaps it would be more of a deterrent for the criminals just knowing that more people walking around may have personal protection with them and they might not know who is necessarily easy prey,” he said.
If the new bill is passed, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office hopes it won’t make it easier for guns to fall into the wrong hands.
“I think it would likely lead to an increase in gun crime,” said Colonel Henderson Carswell. “Some people choose to have a driver’s license or not, and often that’s why they own the gun that caused the problem in the first place.”
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says it stands ready to protect and serve the people of Macon-Bibb.
The Georgian legislature begins on Monday January 10th and ends on March 31st.
