ATLANTA — A Democrat in the Georgia state Senate is introducing proposals aimed at limiting children’s access to firearms and instituting a mandatory 10-day waiting period for purchasing assault rifles, unless the buyer holds a concealed carry license. These measures, however, are expected to struggle for traction among Republican lawmakers.
Senator Emanuel Jones from Decatur put forward these proposals on Wednesday, highlighting that some could gain ground when the legislature convenes again in January. By suggesting less extreme measures, such as providing tax credits for secure gun storage, Jones aims to garner broader support and make progress with his recommendations.
“My message today is that we all need to collaborate and prioritize workable solutions rather than focusing on polarizing extremes,” Jones stated.
These proposals emerged from a draft report Jones shared during the concluding session of the Senate Study Committee on Safe Firearm Storage, which he established after a tragic school shooting northeast of Atlanta in September. The final report, however, must receive backing from the Republican members of the committee before it can move forward.
The tragic incident involved Colt Gray, a teenager who was charged in connection with the shooting at Apalachee High School and exhibited mental health issues prior to the event. To address this, Jones is advocating for a statewide alert system to inform schools when a student with alarming behavior attempts to transfer. Richard Woods, Georgia’s state school superintendent, along with Republican House Speaker Jon Burns, have expressed support for initiatives facilitating information sharing between education authorities and law enforcement.
Additionally, Jones is pushing for tax breaks and reductions in homeowners’ insurance for individuals who invest in secure storage devices such as gun safes and locks. Similar legislation almost passed last year when the state Senate approved a bill to exempt safety devices from sales tax, while the House considered granting a $300 tax credit to gun owners for the purchase of such devices and aid with firearm safety education. Unfortunately, neither legislative proposal made it through the opposing chamber.
“Most Republicans, Democrats, and gun owners agree that there are proactive steps that can be taken toward safe gun ownership without confiscating guns,” remarked Heather Hallett, an organizer with Georgia Majority for Gun Safety, during the meeting.
Colin Gray, the father of Colt Gray, is also facing murder charges, as he allegedly provided his son access to the assault weapon involved in the shooting. Jones’ proposal to criminalize providing access to guns for children directly addresses this situation.
Firearms were identified as the primary cause of death among children during 2020 and 2021. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, a national organization dedicated to curbing gun violence, Georgia ranks among the states with the highest incidence of unintentional shootings involving children.
Senator David Lucas from Macon, a member of the committee, posits that Republicans may find merit in the proposal for a 10-day waiting period, as it includes an exemption for licensed gun carriers. Lucas, who owns around 40 guns, noted that instituting a waiting period is crucial since assault rifles are frequently involved in mass shootings, including a recent incident in Georgia.
Conversely, committee member Senator Frank Ginn, a Republican from Danielsville, expressed his opposition to the waiting period proposal when asked for his stance.
Inspired by a Texas state agency, Jones is also advocating for the creation of a “Statewide Research & Development Office,” which would serve to educate the public about gun violence and its impact.