ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp will push for a new state law that would loosen the state's handgun requirements.
Kemp visited a gun shop outside Atlanta on Wednesday morning to announce his support for legislation that would do away with the need for a license to carry a handgun in public.
In his speech, the governor leaned heavily on concerns over crime, adding that people are "fed up" and "safety can not just come from local government." He followed by stating that the new law would further give Georgians the ability to protect themselves and their families.
"I believe the constitution grants the citizens of our state the right to carry a firearm without state government approval," Kemp explained, adding that "for law abiding Georgians, their carry permit is the founding document of our nation."
While Gov. Kemp explained that details for law are still being worked out, he mentioned that he is working to get constitutional carry across the line during the current legislative session.
The move comes as he faces a primary challenge from fellow Republican David Perdue in this year’s governor’s race. More than 20 other states allow concealed weapons in public without a permit.
Opponents have said such laws escalate the danger to law enforcement and the public.