SHARPSBURG (June 8, 2010) – The Georgia Common Sense Lawful Carry Act, authored by State Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg), was signed into law today by Gov. Sonny Perdue. Georgia’s 400,000 lawfully carrying citizens and Georgia’s law enforcement officials now have clearer guidelines as to where weapons can and cannot be carried.
“Georgia’s Common Sense Lawful Carry Act protects lawfully carrying citizens from unknowingly becoming criminals by clarifying where they can and cannot carry their weapons. They know all too well that a license to carry is not a license to commit a crime. This law was truly written by the citizens of Georgia, with input from all interested constituents. Government should work for the people to protect their freedoms and constitutionally guaranteed rights,” said Seabaugh. “I want to thank Gov. Perdue and my colleagues in the Legislature for their support and willingness to work on this legislation. I also want to thank everyone who provided valuable input into writing this bill to help achieve a law that makes sense.”
The confusing public gathering clause no longer exists in Georgia law and the new law provides specifics as to where it is lawful for properly licensed citizens to carry a weapon and clearer penalties for infractions. Property owner rights were successfully preserved by allowing their discretion as to having weapons on their property. No weapons will be allowed in any K-12 school. Additionally, no weapons will be allowed in government buildings, courtrooms, jails or prisons, and churches. Properly licensed individuals will be able to keep their weapon in their vehicle parked on the lot. Lawfully carrying citizens can also leave their weapon secured in their parked vehicle at the airport and have them in their vehicle when driving through the airport. Citizens with a carry license will be able to leave their weapon in a parked vehicle on college and university campuses. However, it will be a misdemeanor if they have a license and carry onto a college or university campus. It will still be a felony crime to carry a weapon onto a campus without a license to carry.
Seabaugh worked to move the bill through the Senate and House by walking legislators through each section of the bill. He talked to the process of working with all parties who had interest in the legislation, including gun safety advocates. Since introduction of the bill in January, Seabaugh met with representatives from the Board of Regents, Georgians for Gun Safety, Georgia Carry, churches, educators, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and judges. Each of them had the opportunity to learn about the Lawful Carry bill and had suggestions of their own for improvements. The final outcome includes their input.
The Lawful Carry Act takes effect upon the governor’s signature. The complete law can be found at http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/fulltext/sb308.htm.
Sen. Mitch Seabaugh represents the 28th Senate District which includes Coweta and Heard counties and portions of Carroll and Troup counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.6446 or by e-mail at mail@mitchseabaugh.com.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
June 8, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028