HB1127: HB1127 Crimes; offense of unlawful possession of parts of a machine gun; provide

Georgia law already bans possessing dangerous weapons like machine guns, rocket launchers, and sawed-off shotguns under a section of state law (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-121 and related sections). This bill adds a new definition for 'parts of a machine gun,' covering the frame or receiver of such a weapon, parts made specifically to convert a pistol into a machine gun, and any combination of parts someone possesses that could be assembled into a machine gun. The bill then creates a new crime: knowingly possessing parts of a machine gun, punishable by one to five years in prison. It also adds an exemption for manufacturers licensed under federal gun laws (the Gun Control Act of 1968 and National Firearms Act) who are acting within those licenses. The bill also adds a definition of 'person' to the existing list of definitions used in this part of the law.

• Creates a new crime of unlawful possession of parts of a machine gun, punishable by one to five years in prison, under a new Code Section 16-11-123.1.
• Defines 'parts of a machine gun' to include the frame or receiver, conversion parts for turning a pistol into a machine gun, and any combination of parts that could be assembled into one.
• Defines 'possession' broadly to include manufacturing, obtaining, receiving, selling, offering for sale, or using such parts.
• Adds an exemption for federally licensed machine gun manufacturers acting under the Gun Control Act of 1968 and National Firearms Act.
• Adds a definition of 'person' to the existing definitions section (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-121) covering dangerous weapons.

Gun owners, gun parts sellers, and manufacturers in Georgia are affected, particularly anyone who possesses machine gun frames, receivers, or conversion parts. Licensed federal firearms manufacturers are exempted, while individuals without that license face new criminal exposure.

People who possess machine gun frames, receivers, or conversion parts, even without a complete weapon, could face one to five years in prison under this bill. It closes a gap in current law that focused on complete machine guns rather than the parts used to build or convert one.

• Section 1 revises the definitions in O.C.G.A. § 16-11-121, adding a definition of 'parts of a machine gun' and a definition of 'person.'
• Section 2 adds new Code Section 16-11-123.1, making it a crime to knowingly possess parts of a machine gun, with a penalty of one to five years in prison.
• Section 2 defines 'possession' to include manufacturing, obtaining, receiving, selling, offering for sale, or using the parts.
• Section 3 adds an exemption to O.C.G.A. § 16-11-124 for manufacturers licensed under the federal Gun Control Act of 1968 and National Firearms Act acting within those licenses.
• Section 4 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2026-02-04House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-02-03House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-02House Hopper (House)

• Omari Crawford (D, HD-089)Primary sponsor
• Anne Westbrook (D, HD-163)
• Mary Oliver (D, HD-084)
• Scott Holcomb (D, HD-101)
• Inga Willis (D, HD-055)
• Yasmin Neal (D, HD-079)

• gun laws
• machine guns
• criminal penalties
• weapons possession