On Monday, February 20, the Georgia House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committees were scheduled to begin to review a number of important gun bills.

Georgia State Representative Eddie Lumsden, R-Rome, a retired State Trooper who sits on these committees, said: “These are some modified bills, after having conversations with the governor”.

In their current state, he expects them to be more acceptable.

HB 280 would allow people with their Georgia Weapons License (GWL) to carry concealed on all property owned or leased by a “public institution of post-secondary education”. There are minimal exemptions, sports facilities, student housing – including sororities and frat houses, and campus preschools. Rep. Lumsden, who is in favor of this bill, points to the Second Amendment in part, for his support of the right to carry on college campuses.

HB 292 would impact Georgia gun laws in several positive and important ways, including:

• New residents of Georgia who have their carry license from a state that has reciprocity with Georgia will have a 90 day grace period to obtain their GWL. During this period the new resident can carry legally in Georgia using their old carry license.
• Firearms instructors who provide the correct lawful training in safety and proper technical use of a firearm will be protected from civil liability. Specifically covering them responsibility for any injuries caused by the failure of any their students who use a firearm improperly or unlawfully.
• Make a code change regarding permit reciprocity specifically enabling Virginia concealed handgun permit holders to enjoy reciprocity with Georgia.

HB 406 aims to target reciprocity between states and will affect Virginia reciprocity directly through its code changes.

“Most conservatives don’t believe it’s wise of government to require training because this is a right, not a privilege,” said Representative Eddie Lumsden. “We all believe it would be a good thing, if you’re going to carry a weapon, you be trained in its use. But this gets into constitutional questions.”

If you live in Georgia, contact your legislators on both committees and let them know how you feel about these bills.