Bill > HB119

This bill amends Georgia's Brady Law regulations to modify the standards for legal actions against government entities regarding weapon regulations. The bill expands definitions, clarifying terms like 'weapon' and 'lawful weapons carrier', and strengthens provisions for individuals to challenge local regulations that potentially infringe on weapon rights. Specifically, it reinforces state preemption of local weapon regulations, maintaining that the state has exclusive authority to regulate firearms, gun shows, ownership, and sales. The bill introduces new legal remedies for lawful weapons carriers who believe they have been subject to unauthorized weapon-related restrictions, allowing them to file lawsuits in superior court seeking declaratory relief, injunctions, or monetary damages. Individuals can now potentially recover up to $50,000 or three times their litigation expenses if they successfully prove a violation. The bill preserves some local government abilities, such as regulating firearm discharge and weapon possession by government employees, while significantly expanding legal protections for weapon carriers challenging what they perceive as improper local restrictions.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69493