HB 89 -- Gun bill -- Passes in House, Senate

The Senate clipped along at a pretty steady pace, working hard to pass a flurry of bills late Friday night. And, things were going along fairly well, ‘till lawmakers got to HB 89. The so-called ‘parking lot’ gun bill allows licensed gun owners with a conceal carry permit to carry (holstered) weapons in public places … like parks, historic sites, recreational and wildlife management areas, as well as on public transportation systems, including MARTA. It would also allow employees to leave weapons in their car at work as long the employer said it was OK. The original bill would have also allowed guns in churches and public gatherings but that was stripped in the final version that won passage. The law also makes it a felony for straw purchases of any firearm. The measure only applies to licensed gun holders who possess a conceal carry permit. Sen. Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta) has been a consistent critic of the bill, calling the laws on and accountability enforcement lax. The measure passed in the Senate 40- 15; in the House it was approved 106-57. The bill now goes to Governor Perdue for his signature.