A Decatur Democratic lawmaker has prefiled a bill that would ban bump fire stocks in Georgia.
State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver pre-filed House Bill 651, legislation for the 2018 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, on Wednesday.
“We already prohibit dangerous weapons like bazookas and rocket launchers, and it is time that Georgia has a serious discussion about banning bump fire stocks as well,” said Oliver. “These devices allow rifles to be modified to imitate semi-assault rifles, and banning such devices has recently been the center of many national discussions.
"I believe this legislation will see bipartisan support and look forward to starting this necessary conversation in our state.”
But bipartisan support won't be coming from at least Republican candidate for governor.
"I will stop this state ban," said Michael Williams, one of several GOP hopefuls in the 2018 gubernatorial election. "I warned that Georgia Democrats would push legislation to ban bump stocks.
"When I previously brought attention to this issue, my opponents mocked us, called it a 'stunt,' and diminished the views of millions of 2nd Amendment supporters. My war against Rep. Oliver's unconstitutional legislation will make all Democrats think twice before attempting to take away gun rights from Georgia citizens."
The move comes in the wake of the shooting in Las Vegas that killed 58 people, not including the shooter, the worst mass shooting in modern American history.
Law enforcement in Nevada says the gunman used a bump stock during his shooting rampage. Officers say that allowed a burst of gunfire that was similar to what one would see with a fully automatic weapon.
