Seabaugh Introduces Common Sense Lawful Carry Act

ATLANTA (Jan. 12, 2010) – Today Majority Whip Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) filed Georgia’s Common Sense Lawful Carry Act, which amends the current firearms legislation.  Seabaugh cited confusion in the current law and presented how his bill will make the necessary corrections to provide lawfully carrying citizens and law enforcement clear guidelines.

“Laws should be easy to follow, simple to enforce and always balance public safety and private citizens’ rights.  This legislation will get us there,” said Seabaugh. “This legislation is fair to lawfully carrying citizens and ensures that any infractions and prohibitions are monitored and reported correctly, effectively and efficiently.  This is common sense legislation that upholds community safety and personal freedoms.”

The Common Sense Lawful Carry Act provides clearly defined carry areas, a more streamlined system for permitting and reporting of violations, and greater personal property rights by allowing property owners to determine whether firearms can be carried on their property.  The legislation still provides strong consistencies for public and private K-12 and secondary schools, school functions and government agency offices.

Seabaugh is pushing two major features of the bill – removing the confusion behind what constitutes a “public gathering” and bringing all rules regulations and licensing under the guidance of the Secretary of State’s office.  Many law enforcement officials throughout the state have expressed their confusion of how to enforce and even prosecute offenders under the current “public gathering” definitions.  In addition, each of Georgia’s 159 counties has a different way of processing and issuing licenses.  By bringing the system under the Secretary of State’s office, each county will have the same standards.  The amendment maintains all background checks currently in place while imposing new disqualifiers on who can obtain a license.

Sen. Seabaugh also noted that he has reached out to representatives from Georgians for Gun Safety and Million Moms March so he may have a chance to walk them through these updates.  His plan is to have a productive conversation without speculation and present the facts of the legislation.

All federal firearms laws and regulations still apply.  With this legislation, Georgia’s firearms laws will be in addition to federal laws without being contradictory or duplicative.  Restaurant owners, churches and any other private property owners will have the choice to permit lawfully carried weapons on their property, or not to permit these weapons.  Law-abiding citizens will be able to secure their weapons in a locked compartment in a vehicle that is parked in the parking facility of a government building, courtroom, jail, prison, any public school or private entity prohibiting their weapons.

Schools are still protected by school safety zones in which firearms cannot be carried at all.  These zones are noted to be within 1,000 feet of any real property owned or leased to any public or private elementary school, secondary school, or school board and used for elementary or secondary education.  This includes school functions as well as school property.

“Last year I held a series of study committee meetings that were an open forum for Georgians to express their concerns about the current carry laws.  I listened to those concerns and developed this bill.  As we go through the process of amending this law, I’m committed to working with all concerned parties to create a law that is sensible and realistic,” said Seabaugh.

The Comprehensive Firearms Law Study Committee was created in the 2008 session to examine Georgia’s firearms laws and the way these laws are applied in our state.   Seabaugh chaired the committee and held a series of public hearings regarding Georgia’s firearms law.  The committee heard testimony from a variety of constituent groups including Georgians for Gun Safety, Georgia Trial Lawyers, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Georgia Carry, the University System of Georgia and various religious groups.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 12, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028