Bill > HB508

This bill proposes to prohibit the sale, possession, use, importation, and manufacture of semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices in Georgia, with specific definitions and exceptions. The bill defines a semiautomatic assault weapon as a rifle that uses center-fire ammunition and can accept a large-capacity magazine (over 20 rounds), excluding rimfire weapons. Existing owners of such weapons and magazines as of July 1, 2025, may retain them if securely stored, and may only transfer them after conducting a criminal background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The legislation provides exemptions for law enforcement officers, nuclear facility security personnel, and retired certified peace officers. Violations are initially punishable as misdemeanors with fines of up to $250 for the first offense and $500 for the second offense, with third and subsequent violations potentially resulting in the revocation of hunting rights and classified as high and aggravated misdemeanors. The bill's underlying rationale, as stated in the findings, is to reduce the risk of mass shootings by limiting access to weapons capable of rapidly firing multiple rounds, particularly in light of recent incidents involving semiautomatic rifles that have resulted in significant loss of life.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70480