ATLANTA (Feb. 15, 2009) – Senate Majority Whip Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) today presented Georgia’s Common Sense Lawful Carry Act to the Senate Special Judiciary Committee. Seabaugh walked the members of the committee through the committee substitute page by page, living up to his pledge for an open process. He cited confusion in the current law and presented how his bill will provide lawfully carrying citizens and law enforcement clear guidelines.
“This legislation has two purposes – to remedy confusion in the current law and bring continuity to the process of licensing and regulation,” said Seabaugh. “Lawfully carrying citizens want to follow the laws and law enforcement officers want to be able to enforce the law. We must eliminate the ‘gotcha’ situation out of any law we can.”
Seabaugh testified that he reached out to 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 and law enforcement officials. Each of them had the opportunity to learn about the Lawful Carry bill and had suggestions of their own for improvements. The proposed committee substitute reflects that input.
The bill brought before the committee was an update from the proposed legislation. The committee substitute included clear definitions of unauthorized locations to a place of worship and a bar, unless permitted by the owner. Clearer penalties for infractions of carry laws were added along with the addition of criminal trespass involving a weapon. Classrooms and research facilities on college campuses were added to the prohibited carry areas. Universities will have the authority to determine if lawfully carried weapons will be allowed at athletic events. A voluntary training component for an enhanced weapons license has also been added to the legislation.
Committee Chairman John Wiles (R-Kennesaw) adjourned the meeting without a vote. Committee members have been given time to review the bill in more detail and work out any final details with Sen. Seabaugh before reconvening next week.
Sen. Mitch Seabaugh serves as Senate Majority Whip. He 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:
February 15, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028