HB472: HB472 Crimes and offenses; add certain facilities of the Geo. L. Smith II Georgia World Congress Center Authority to the locations in which the carrying of weapons or long guns is prohibited

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127) already lists certain places, like courthouses and jails, where people cannot carry weapons or long guns even with a weapons carry license. This bill adds a new location to that list: facilities of the Geo. L. Smith II Georgia World Congress Center Authority, the state entity that runs the Georgia World Congress Center and related venues in Atlanta. The ban would only apply to facilities that are enclosed by fencing at least 8 feet high and that post visible notices about the weapons restriction at all entry points. It would not apply to areas where vehicles are allowed to park. The bill also repeals any conflicting laws. No specific effective date is stated beyond the standard process of passage and signature.

• Adds Georgia World Congress Center Authority facilities to the list of locations where carrying weapons or long guns is illegal under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127.
• Limits the new restriction to facilities enclosed by fencing at least 8 feet tall with posted notices at all access points.
• Exempts parking areas at these facilities from the new weapons carrying ban.
• Repeals any existing state laws that conflict with this new restriction.

People who hold Georgia weapons carry licenses and the general public visiting Georgia World Congress Center Authority venues, along with the Authority itself, which must ensure fencing height and posted notices meet the bill's requirements.

Visitors and event-goers at Georgia World Congress Center Authority facilities, such as convention or stadium areas, would no longer be able to legally carry weapons inside fenced, posted sections, changing what is allowed at large public gatherings held there.

• Section 1 amends O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127(b) by adding paragraph (8), making Georgia World Congress Center Authority facilities a restricted location for carrying weapons or long guns.
• The restriction applies only where the facility is enclosed by fencing at least 8 feet high and has prominent posted notices at all access points.
• The restriction does not apply to areas of the facility where vehicles are permitted to park.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting laws, a standard closing provision.

1. 2025-02-20House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-02-19House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-18House Hopper (House)

• Rick Jasperse (R, HD-011)Primary sponsor
• Clint Crowe (R, HD-118)
• Ron Stephens (R, HD-164)
• Scott Holcomb (D, HD-101)
• Kimberly New (R, HD-040)
• Marcus Wiedower (R, HD-121)

• gun laws
• weapons carry license
• public venue safety
• Georgia World Congress Center