According to Firearmchronicles
Lawmakers on a Georgia legislative subcommittee unanimously approved a bill on Wednesday that would allow any concealed carry licensee in the country to legally carry their firearms in the state, sending the bill on to a full House committee for a vote and expected approval.
HB787 would establish a system of universal reciprocity in the state, replacing the individual reciprocity agreements Georgia already has with 32 other states across the country. The bill’s sponsor says the legislation will make Georgia a more attractive destination for gun owners.
House Bill 787, sponsored by Canton Republican Rep. Mandi Ballinger, said the purpose of the legislation is to make it easier for travelers to bring their guns into the state. “It would be good for hunting and fishing, as well as some other, kind of, pro-Second Amendment folks,” she said. “It doesn’t it doesn’t expand our licensing here in the state of Georgia.” It’s unclear if anyone who has brought a gun from a state that Georgia does not have an agreement with has been prosecuted unless he or she already was charged with other crimes.
Gun control advocates warned that allowing people from states that may have loose licensing laws could endanger Georgians.
Page Rast, a Smyrna resident and volunteer with gun control group Moms Demand Action, told lawmakers she worried allowing gun permit holders from all states to carry their weapons in Georgia. “Weakening reciprocity laws is just not a good practice,” Rast said. “This will only make it more difficult for local Georgia law enforcement to help keep our communities safe.”