ATLANTA — The state Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday quickly passed legislation that would let Georgians carry a concealed handgun without first getting a license from the state.
House Bill 1358, which passed the House earlier this month, was amended to instead mirror Senate Bill 319, which was approved on the Senate floor last month. Both bills aim to rid the state of the requirement to first apply and pay for a license before being able to legally carry a concealed handgun.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Brian Strickland, a Republican, declined to take public testimony, saying the panel had already heard comments about the Senate legislation in committee and it had been debated on the floor.
