Democrats in the Georgia State House introduced HB-731 on January 11, 2016 that bans “assault weapons” along with “high capacity” magazines. The bill, if passed, would allow for the seizure of such weapons and accessories.
The bill–HB 731–is sponsored by Mary Margaret Oliver (D-83rd), Stacey Abrams (D-89th), Carolyn Hugley (D-136th), Pat Gardiner (D-57th), Dar’shun Kendrick (D-93rd), Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-91st). The bill has been assigned to the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and is awaiting hearing.
According to the text of HB 731, the bill focuses on “dangerous instrumentalities and practices” by prohibiting the “possession, sale, transport, distribution, or use of certain assault weapons, large capacity magazines, armor-piercing bullets, and incendiary .50 caliber bullets.”
The bill specifically identifies dozens of popular guns, such as the AK-47 and AR-15 models as well as semi-automatic pistols that have a detachable magazine and threaded barrel capable of attaching a suppressor.
Furthermore, it provides for criminal penalties for “the possession, sale, transport, distribution, or use of certain assault weapons, large capacity magazines, armor-piercing bullets, and incendiary .50 caliber bullets.”
Not satisfied with simply banning certain firearms, the bill goes so far as to designate assault weapons and certain ammunition as contraband and requires seizure of such by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Representative Mary Margaret Oliver suggests 10 other representatives have joined the six original bill sponsors.
An announcement posted to Oliver’s webpage says:
“[Oliver] and fifteen Democrat women House members introduced HB 731 on the first day of the 2016 Session. The bill bans assault weapons and high capacity magazines. Georgia needs debate about these weapons which are only used for rapidly killing people. Assault weapons are not necessary for deer hunting.”
Religious and community leaders gathered at the state Capitol to show their support for the legislation. The Rev. Robert C. Wright, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta said House Bill 731 isn’t an attack on the Second Amendment but on weapons that are “extreme and extraordinary.”
The bill would outlaw weapons and ammunition that are “beyond the pale and unnecessary” and should not “be available to the average citizen,” Wright said.
Pro-Second Amendment group Georgia Carry responded to HB 731 by tweeting, “Dems finally honest about gun control, their ultimate goal is confiscation.”
Fortunately, it does not look like this bill has much chance of passing this session.
Stay tuned!
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