Georgia Senate Passes Bill Removing Background Check In Firearm License

Georgia Senate Passes Bill Ending Firearm License Requirement

The Georgia Senate approved a Republican-backed bill Monday that would do away with the need for a license to carry a handgun in public — removing a current background check requirement.

Democrats said the extent would increase gun deaths and recommended an amendment that would broaden background checks, but the GOP-controlled Senate defeated it. Senate Bill 319 passed 34-22 along party lines and now moves to the state House.

Rep Shea Roberts expressed her feelings on Twitter about the bill being passed and said, “Today GA GOP sacrificed the safety of our children and law enforcement because it’s inconvenient to fill out a piece of paper.”

She continued, “A majority of Georgians don’t support permit-less carry but once again GOP ignored the majority and pandered to the minority.”

Former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has backed the revocation. He says Georgia residents should have their constitutional rights protected and be able to protect themselves and their families amid a eise in violent crime.

More than 20 other states allow concealed weapons in public without a permit, according to Stateline, an initiative of the Pew Charitable Trusts.