A lot of noise has been made in the state capitol and around Georgia over the new Constitutional Carry law, but Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby says it won’t change many things locally.
Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 319 into law Tuesday, April 12, allowing Georgians to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.
State Senator Steve Gooch, who represents Fannin County, said in a statement, “Essentially, this legislation would allow any individual who is lawfully allowed to carry a firearm in Georgia to do so without the requirement to obtain a permit.
“The Constitution is very clear that any lawful individual should be allowed to carry out and exercise their Second Amendment rights without any additional regulation or requirements from the government,” Gooch said.
Many applauded Georgia’s move in joining other states that have already adopted Constitutional Carry, while others accused Kemp of a political move.
Kemp lauded the bill as part of his fight to battle crime and protect Georgians.
Kemp said, “SB 319 makes sure that law abiding Georgians...can protect themselves without having to ask permission from state government.”
Gooch said SB 319 “simply removes the permitting and fee process in order to carry a firearm.”
Kirby said, “I honestly don’t think it will change things here locally.”
The sheriff said that when addressing gun issues
“the problem is what he or she did with the gun.”
For instance, a background check would be used to determine whether or not a person in possession of a firearm is a convicted felon.
“In my career as a law enforcement officer, I don’t think I have ever asked anybody to see their concealed handgun permit,” Kirby said.
The sheriff also reminded Georgians the benefits of a permit.
When buying a handgun, a permit relieves the background check requirement.
Also, the permit allows holders to take advantage of “reciprocity” with other states, Kirby said. This is an agreement allowing gun owners to carry concealed handguns in states that offer the same permission.
The new law allows persons to carry handguns who is a license weapons carrier. This includes both on his or her person or in a vehicle.
Individuals who have been convicted of a felony, are facing felony charges, have been treated for mental health or substance abuse issues within the past five years, or who have been involuntarily committed to a mental health hospital would still be prohibited from purchasing or possessing handguns.
Neither could handguns be carried in places where they are already prohibited including government buildings, courthouse, jails, prisons, or in a place of worship unless the governing body or authority of the place of worship permits the carrying of firearms.