The Georgia State Senate leadership has taken action to investigate firearm safety by establishing the Safe Firearms Study Committee. This committee will examine the need for firearm lock boxes or safes and other options. We had the first of three open hearings on August 20, 2024, to review and discuss the issues.

I am honored to serve on this committee, appointed by leadership, due to my steadfast commitment to Second Amendment rights and my lifelong experience with firearms.

During our last legislative session, we enacted a law to waive sales tax on safety items designed for firearm storage. This initiative reflects our recognition of the importance of safety. To clarify, the purpose of Firearms Study Committee is for conducting hearings only to explore the issues and gather input from the community.

I firmly believe in the necessity of training for firearms. As a Lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), I am an advocate for educational programs that could be introduced in schools, giving individuals the knowledge they need to handle firearms safely — without infringing upon their Constitutional rights. Our Second Amendment rights must be protected and preserved for future generations.

I urge all citizens of Georgia to engage in this discussion. Together, we can work toward solutions that respect our Constitutional rights while also promoting firearm safety.

[Sen. Marty Harbin serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Oversight. He represents the 16th Senate District which includes Lamar, Spalding and Pike counties and a portion Fayette County. He may be reached at 404-656-0078 or by email at [email protected].]