ATLANTA (March 7, 2012) – Senate Bill 493, which authorizes properly trained 18 to 21 year olds to be issued a weapons carry license, passed the Georgia Senate today. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville) and passed by a 41-13 vote.
“These young adults are able to fight for our country, vote and are entitled to many other adult privileges. It is ridiculous that these same individuals are not allowed to carry weapons for professional purposes after being properly trained in safety and shooting procedures,” said Sen. Loudermilk.
SB 493 would allow Georgia residents between the ages of 18 and 21 to secure a weapons carry license dependent on the completion of a firearms course and if all other requirements (other than age) in Georgia code are met. These applicants must pass a firearms course within three months of the license application date and provide a certification of compliance from a licensed firearm instructor.
Applicants must complete the following firearm safety course standards:
- Four (4) hours of classroom instruction on gun-related laws, proper gun-handling methods and fundamentals of gun operation
- Four (4) hours of instruction on a firearms range
- A written examination on classroom material and a practical examination on a firearms range
SB 493 will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Since the bill passed on Day 30—which is the last day for bills to transfer to the other chamber—it is still a live bill that could become Georgia law.
Because this is a biennial year, all bills that do not pass the Senate today will not return to committee and must be re-introduced during the 2013 legislative session.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 7, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Jennifer Yarber
jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028