Critical Pro-Gun Legislation Signed in Georgia

Fairfax, VA—Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that he signed important National Rifle Association (NRA)-backed legislation into law that will protect the existing rights of law-abiding gun owners. House Bill 89 will strengthen the rights of law-abiding Georgians as they undergo the process for right-to-carry permits and expands the places permit holders may carry their firearms, including in public access parking lots.

"Today is a great day for law-abiding gun owners in Georgia," said Chris W. Cox, NRA’s chief lobbyist. "The rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves, whether in a restaurant, wilderness area or while at work, must be maintained. Corporate property interests do not trump people’s right to self-defense."

Governor Perdue’s signing of HB 89 follows Florida Governor Charlie Crist’s signing similar legislation into law in Florida.

This critical Right-to-Carry Reform legislation will strengthen Georgia’s current laws by:

• Allowing licensed carry permit holders to possess a firearm in any private motor vehicle, while on any publicly accessible parking lot; 
• Prohibiting gun dealer entrapment schemes, such as those orchestrated by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; 
• Allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry in State Parks; recreational areas, wildlife management areas and public transportation; 
• Creating a stricter time limit for various stages of the concealed carry license application process; and 
• Allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry in restaurants.