ATLANTA – State Representative Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) recently pre-filed House Bill 11 for the upcoming 2017 legislative session, legislation that would require new Georgia applicants to complete firearms safety training in order to apply for a weapons carry license. Rep. Waites originally introduced similar legislation during the 2016 legislative session.
“Since 2005, gun-related accidents have been on a steady rise in Georgia and across the nation,” said Rep. Waites. “Gun-related accidents have devastating consequences, and by requiring additional safety training at the onset of the carry permit process, we will ensure that those who use firearms have had the opportunity to learn about the firearm itself and the safety precautions. Individuals must take instructional courses prior to attaining hunting and boating licenses, amongst other licenses. Why are licensed weapons carriers exempt from meeting the same safety standards? This is for personal safety and for the safety of others.”
HB 11 would require that applicants complete a certified firearm safety training course prior to applying for a weapons carry license. Applicants may satisfy this requirement by proving that he or she is a peace officer; serving on active duty with the United States armed forces; serving in an active reserve component of the United States armed forces or in the Georgia National Guard; certified by the National Rifle Association as a firearms safety instructor; or received basic firearms training provided by a law enforcement officer, a nationally recognized organization that promotes firearm safety, or a licensed firearms dealer. Firearms safety training would include instruction on the features of a handgun in addition to a brief explanation of loading, firing and unloading the weapon.
HB 11 will be formally introduced during the 2017 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly.
For more information about HB 11, please click here.
Representative Keisha Waites represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Juvenile Justice, Public Safety & Homeland Security, Special Rules, and Transportation committees.
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