The law allows guns to be carried in schools, bars, government buildings, and even churches.
Upon signing the bill, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal said, “people who follow the rules can protect themselves and their families from people who don’t follow the rules.”
“The Second Amendment should never be an afterthought. It should reside at the forefronts of our minds,” Deal added.
Another offshoot would alter Georgia’s “stand your ground” law, already one of the strongest in the nation. A close look at the law reveals it would now extend to anyone convicted of a felony.
There are interesting stipulations in the legislation for various organizations. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says churches, and schools will be able to opt into allowing firearms, while bars would have to opt out.
There has been both praise and criticism for the measure.
State Rep. Rick Jasperse told supporters “this bill is about the good guys, you guys.”
Former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords' gun control group took the other side, calling the law “the most extreme gun bill in America."