Georgia’s 2026 Regular Legislative Session ran from January 12/13 to April 2/3, 2026 (adjourned sine die). Georgia maintains strong Second Amendment protections, including constitutional carry (permitless carry for eligible adults since 2022). Pro-2A measures focused on strengthening state preemption over local rules, while some expansions (like suppressors) fell short.
Key Second Amendment-Related Bills
• SB 204 (Firearms Preemption / Local Gun Storage Ban): Sponsored by Sen. Colton Moore (R) and others. This strengthens the state’s firearms preemption law by prohibiting counties and municipalities from regulating firearm storage (e.g., via ordinances, zoning, or resolutions). It directly targeted local rules like Savannah’s ordinance requiring secure storage of guns in unattended vehicles. It includes provisions allowing affected gun owners to sue local governments for violations (with potential damages of at least $25,000 plus attorney fees). Passed the Senate early in the session (32-21, party-line), received final passage before adjournment, and was sent to Governor Brian Kemp. It became the first bill passed in the 2026 session.
• SB 499 (Suppressors / Silencers): Would have removed firearm suppressors from Georgia’s list of “dangerous weapons,” eliminating state-level criminal penalties for possession (while remaining subject to federal NFA regulation). Passed a House committee in March but fell short on the House floor (short by a few votes) and did not advance fully before adjournment.
• HB 79 (Firearm Safe Handling / Tax Credit): Proposed a tax credit (up to ~$300 in some versions) for expenses related to firearm safety training or secure storage devices (gun safes). It advanced in the House in prior efforts but stalled in the Senate during 2026; a revised version focused more on training. Did not pass.
Other Notable Measures
• HB 711 (Rapid-Fire Devices): Aimed to prohibit certain devices that enable rapid fire (e.g., bump stocks or similar) and update definitions of dangerous weapons. Saw some progress but limited overall advancement.
• Gun safety/restriction bills (e.g., from groups like Every Town) were introduced or revived but generally did not gain significant traction in the Republican-controlled legislature.
Outcomes and Context
The session delivered a notable win for preemption advocates with SB 204, reinforcing statewide uniformity on gun laws against local restrictions. However, broader expansions like suppressor deregulation did not succeed. No major rollbacks of existing rights (e.g., constitutional carry) passed.
For official details, bill texts, and exact status, check the Georgia General Assembly website, LegiScan, or other trackers. Governor Kemp’s actions on signed bills can be found on gov.georgia.gov. Pro-2A groups like NRA-ILA monitor these closely and often provide updates. Future sessions (e.g., 2027) may revisit suppressors or tax incentives.
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