Georgia House Bill HB1511

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/24

Caption

Nuisances; regulation of firearms, ammunition, firearm supplies, and sport shooting ranges; provide

Impact

The bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding sport shooting ranges in Georgia, giving them a more secure standing against nuisance claims and limiting the powers of local governments to impose restrictions on their operation. As such, local regulations concerning firearms and ammunition sales would be preempted by state law, thereby centralizing authority and potentially limiting local governance in areas related to public safety and community standards.

Summary

House Bill 1511 amends the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to provide regulations regarding firearms, ammunition, and sport shooting ranges. It defines what constitutes a sport shooting range and establishes that these ranges cannot be declared a nuisance based solely on changes in the locality if they have been in operation for more than a year. The bill further specifies that these ranges are protected from civil or criminal liabilities related to noise unless they violate existing regulations at the time of their operation.

Contention

Despite its protective measures for shooting ranges, there are points of contention surrounding the practices endorsed by HB 1511. Proponents argue that the bill promotes responsible gun ownership and facilitates recreational shooting while preventing local overreach into personal liberties. On the other hand, critics contend that it may undermine local governments’ ability to respond to community concerns, particularly around noise pollution and safety issues, which could be exacerbated in residential areas adjacent to shooting ranges. This tension reflects broader debates about gun control and local versus state authority in regulating firearms.