Georgia Senate passes 'Constitutional Carry' bill, moves to House

ATLANTA, Ga. (WGXA)-- The State Senate passed its Constitutional Carry bill, putting Georgians one step closer to more relaxed gun control.

The Senate’s Constitutional Carry bill, SB 319, was first introduced in March 2021, though it wasn't recognized until the first day of the current session.

Three days later, Governor Kemp said, “I look forward to supporting constitutional carry legislation this session," and set the topic into motion.

Suddenly, "constitutional carry" was a runaway train with strong opinions on both sides, preparing to battle it out over the right to carry.

Though when it came down to it, the battle turned out to be a predictable struggle between feuding parties.

The bill lays out new rules for state gun control. People carrying guns in authorized places wouldn’t need any paperwork to do so; effectively eliminating the need to apply for a concealed carry permit.

In the floor debate, Democrats lined up to oppose it. They called it dangerous, extremist and even offered an amendment to require background checks for private gun sales.

“The evidence shows that the presence of a firearm in a domestic violence incident raises the likelihood of a homicide," said Senate Minority Leader, Gloria Butler.

“Looser gun laws. Stricter voting laws. All the while, the body count adds up while the votes don’t," said Senator Jennifer Jordan.

“In case you don’t remember, let me remind you that a talking point at the time was ‘the thing that distinguishes a good guy with a gun from a bad guy with a gun is a carry permit.’ The very thing we are now trying to do away with," said Senator Elena Parent.

In turn, Republicans lined up to support it, staying true to the idea that the second amendment should be as easy to exercise as possible.

“This law is strictly intended to remove an unnecessary burden from law-abiding Georgians," said Senator Jason Anavitarte, the bill's author.

“Some say it’s a bad time to expand gun rights. I say it’s a good time to protect our constitutional rights," said Senator Butch Miller.

“It’s the person behind the gun, it’s not the gun," said Senator Jeff Mullis.

In the end, Constitutional Carry passed on party lines, just like plenty of other bills under the Gold Dome; proving that heated debates rarely change minds that are already made up.

The bill now moves to be deliberated on by the House.