The State House of Representatives has passed a bill which expands where licensed gun owners can take weapons. But the proposed measure is not without its detractors, who say the law goes too far with too few restrictions.
House Bill 89 expands a gun bill passed by the Senate two weeks ago. Under the House version, Georgians with conceal carry permit will be able to carry their guns into more places, including wildlife management areas, churches, and synogauges and some restaurants which serve alcohol.
Republican Representative Tim Bearden of Villa Rica authored the revised bill.
"You just can't put people out there in positions where they can't defend themselves, particularly in today's society. So what our bill did basically for GA firearms licensed permit holders, we gave them more rights than they had."However, opponents say the proposed law is too lax.
Alice Johnson is Executive Director of Georgians for Gun Safety.
"What we're opposed to is irresponsible gun ownership. We do not require permit holders in the state of Georgia to have any kind of training, any kind of proficiency, or what they know what to do for safety purposes."The measure now goes back to the Senate for debate on the expanded version.
