Bill > SB163

This bill amends Georgia's Brady Law regulations to clarify and strengthen provisions related to weapons regulation and local government restrictions. The bill defines key terms like "lawful weapons carrier" and "weapon", and reaffirms that firearm regulation is a state-level concern. It maintains the state's preemption over local governments in most weapons-related regulations, prohibiting counties and municipalities from regulating gun shows, firearm ownership, sales, or registration. The bill also preserves the state's exclusive right to bring lawsuits against weapons manufacturers, with limited exceptions for contract breaches. Importantly, the bill establishes new legal provisions for lawful weapons carriers who believe their rights have been violated, allowing them to seek legal recourse through mandamus actions or civil suits. If successful, plaintiffs can recover damages ranging from actual damages to $50,000, plus litigation expenses and attorney's fees. The bill allows local governments to regulate firearm discharge and potentially require gun ownership for heads of households, but significantly limits their ability to create additional weapons-related restrictions. Any legal actions under this bill must be filed in superior court within one year of the alleged violation.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70302