“Our nation’s founders put the right to bear arms on par with freedom of speech and freedom of religion,” Mr. Deal, a Republican, said in a statement. “Georgians cherish their Second Amendment rights, and this law embodies those values.”
The 29-page law, which goes into effect on July 1, was approved overwhelmingly last month by the Republican-controlled Legislature with some support from Democrats. It will expand the roster of places where gun owners who hold concealed-carry permits can take their weapons to include bars. Critics said its scope created new dangers.
At airports, including the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest, concealed weapons will specifically be allowed in areas “outside the screening checkpoint and that are normally open to unscreened passengers or visitors to the airport.”
And school districts across the state will now be able to allow employees to carry firearms.
