---
title: O.C.G.A. § 51-1-55. Firearm instructor liability.
collection: code
id: 51-1-55
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 51-1-55 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/51-1-55
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/51-1-55.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/51-1-55/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t51-(v39)-2017-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=6b891965_0#page=232
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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version: the only printed version
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current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: TORTS / GENERAL PROVISIONS
---

# O.C.G.A. § 51-1-55. Firearm instructor liability.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term:

(1) ‘‘Dangerous weapon’’ shall have the same meaning as provided for under Code Section 16-11-121.

(2) ‘‘Firearm’’ means any handgun, rifle, shotgun, or other weapon which will or can be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or electrical charge and which is not a dangerous weapon.

(b) Any instructor who lawfully instructs, educates, or trains a person in the safe, proper, or technical use of a firearm shall be immune from civil liability for any injuries caused by the failure of such person to use such firearm properly or lawfully.

## History

Code 1981, § 51-1-55, enacted by Ga. L. 2017, p. 555, § 9/HB 292.

## Cross References

Right to bear arms, U.S. Const., amend 2. Arms, right to keep and bear, Ga. Const. 1983, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. VIII. Carrying and possession of firearms, § 16-11-125.1.

## Editor's Notes

Ga. L. 2017, p. 555, § 1/HB 292, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: ‘‘The General Assembly finds that:

‘‘(1) The ownership of firearms is a clear and explicit right protected by the United States Constitution and the Constitution of this state;

‘‘(2) Access to financial services provides for the functioning of a firearms industry and, thus, the constitutionally protected right of firearm ownership; and

‘‘(3) The provisions of this Act are intended to implement the constitutional protections provided for under the law.’’

## Effective Date

This Code section became effective May 8, 2017.