Facing primary, Georgia’s Kemp delivers on looser gun laws

By JEFF AMY
Associated Press

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is enacting a law abolishing the requirement that Georgians obtain a permit to carry a concealed handgun in public. The Republican signed the bill Tuesday at a sporting good store in suburban Atlanta. It takes effect immediately. Kemp supported what advocates call constitutional carry when he ran for governor in 2018. He intensified his advocacy for the measure when former U.S. Sen. David Perdue launched a Republican primary challenge against Kemp. Supporters say the measure lets people defend themselves without government permission. Opponents say that a abolishing the background check for a permit will ease the way for thousands of people to carry guns illegally.