On April 4, the Georgia legislature passed House Bill 89 and sent it to Governor Sonny Perdue (R) for his consideration. This NRA supported measure makes numerous improvements to Georgia’s Right-to-Carry laws and represents the most comprehensive pro-gun reform measure to pass in nearly 20 years.
Unfortunately, more than a month later, Governor Perdue has yet to sign this critical pro-gun reform measure into law and during a news conference yesterday he expressed some uncertainty that he would sign HB89 into law.
". . . There is certainly some ambiguity regarding employer and employee rights in the bill that I’m a little concerned about . . . I’ve heard from, certainly, the hospitality industry . . . I’m still really deliberating . . .”
This critical Right-to-Carry Reform legislation will strengthen Georgia’s current laws by:
- allowing licensed carry permit holders to possess a firearm in any private motor vehicle, while on any publicly accessible parking lot;
- prohibiting gun dealer entrapment schemes, such as those orchestrated by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg;
- allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry in State Parks; recreational areas, wildlife management areas, and public transportation;
- creating a stricter time limit for various stages of the concealed carry license application process; and
- allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry in restaurants.