Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Signs Constitutional Carry Bill into Law

  • by:
  • 03/02/2023

Georgia Gov. Brain Kemp signed a bill into law Tuesday immediately allowing most residents in the state to carry a handgun without a permit. 

The measure, dubbed the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act, passed the legislature in April mainly along party lines, the Epoch Times reports

It allows residents to carry a concealed firearm without a license, with the exception of convicted felons or those who have been treated for certain mental health issues in the last five years. 

Kemp said that the new law allows Georgians to “protect themselves without having permission from your state government.” 

“The Constitution of the United States gives us that right, not the government,” he said. 

Georgia state Republican Sen. Jason Anavitarte, a sponsor of the bill, said during the signing ceremony, “Today was a victory for the safety, security and constitutional rights of hardworking Georgians.”

“This bill is about self-protection and self-empowerment,” said Anavitarte. “It’s about disincentivizing criminals and empowering law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their families.”

Background checks will still be required when purchasing a handgun from a store or a dealer. 

“People don’t have to carry if they don’t want to,” Kemp told reporters on Tuesday. “But this is a constitutional authority that people have, and they certainly shouldn’t have a piece of paper from the government to be able to legally carry a weapon.” 

Image: by is licensed under
ADVERTISEMENT

Opinion

View All

British schoolchildren more violent due to lockdown–causes developmental delays: BBC study

Nearly one in five teachers at schools across England reported being hit by a student in the past yea...

London features 'Happy Ramadan' lights throughout city over Easter weekend

The lights have drawn criticism from prominent conservatives who insisted that the council ought to s...

Polish foreign minister claims US was aware of Nord Stream pipeline attack but 'did not prevent it'

Radoslaw Sikorski suggested it was done by "someone who had a vested interest in it."...