Oliver files legislation to ban possession of bump stocks in Georgia

A Georgia Democrat has filed legislation that would ban bump stocks in Georgia.

State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver of Decatur filed the bill Wednesday and told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that “there is no justification for this kind of device being easily sold and implemented to make a weapon more dangerous.” HB 651 would make it illegal to possess a bump stock and defines the mechanism as a device that would enable a weapon to shoot more than six shots in one function.

“I’m looking for bipartisan support, and I’m looking for a bipartisan discussion,” she said. “I believe that it’s irresponsible for Georgia to ignore this discussion at this time.”

Wednesday was the first day legislators could pre-file bills for the next legislative session set to begin in January.

Oliver sponsors gun restriction legislation almost every year. In 2017, she filed HB 10 to ban certain “assault” rifles and increase penalties. That legislation was co-sponsored by Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, who is running for Governor.  Oliver and Abrams also co-sponosred HB 232 in 2017 which requires training for Weapons Carry License holders in Georgia.