ATLANTA—State Representative Rick Jasperse (R–Jasper) commented today on Governor Nathan Deal signing into law House Bill 60, otherwise known as The Safe Carry Protection Act. Sponsored by Rep. Jasperse, HB 60 primarily seeks to protect the second amendment rights of citizens and will allow licensed weapons holders to carry their firearms in more places in Georgia than currently allowed by state law.
“A bill like this has been a journey, and a lot of people have been involved with this legislation; I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues who have worked with me and helped guide this bill through the legislative process this session,” said Rep. Jasperse. “In my capacity as a state legislator, I am often reminded by my constituents that their right to keep and bear arms is both sacred and immutable. Amid all the misinformation and emotion surrounding HB 60, we must remember that this bill is not about irresponsibly arming the masses; this bill is about safety and responsibility. All Georgians have and deserve the right to defend themselves, and this bill seeks to protect that right.”
Governor Deal signed HB 60 into law on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at a bill signing ceremony at the ETC Pavilion in Ellijay, Georgia.
In addition to protecting citizen’s second amendment rights, HB 60 has many layers. The bill will largely allow licensed weapons holders who have gone through the process of finger printing, a background check, and a mental health inquiry to obtain a Georgia Weapons License to carry their firearms in more places in Georgia than currently allowed by state law. The bill will allow for church owners to decide whether a licensed weapon holder may carry a gun in their places of worship as well as private property owners of establishments that primarily serve alcoholic beverages. The bill will also allow weapons license holders to carry their firearm in government buildings that do not have active security at the entrances and exits of the premises. Additionally, HB 60 will legalize the use of suppressors for hunting and strengthen mental health inquiries for obtaining a Georgia Weapons License.
For more information on HB 60, click here.
Representative Rick Jasperse represents the citizens of District 11, which includes portions of Gordon, Murray, and Pickens counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman on the Health & Human Services. He also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs and Appropriations committees.
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