HB 89 clears the Senate
The State Senate has passed the NRA’s “parking lot” bill (HB 89) by a vote of 41 to 15:
The Senate passed a narrow bill Thursday that allows some Georgians to carry their guns to work, but gives property owners the right to ban weapons from parking lots at all times.
The watered down bill applies only to those who carry concealed weapons permits — just a tiny fraction of employees in the state. It effectively ended a public two-year battle between gun lobbyists and business owners, who clashed over the legislation in last year’s session.
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While the amended bill weakened the parking lot issue, it beefed up other portions of gun legislation.Under the bill approved Thursday, those who carry concealed weapons permits also can bring firearms into state parks and historic sites. Another tacked on amendment makes it illegal to send “straw purchasers” to Georgia to attempt to buy guns in Georgia, a tactic used by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to sue gun dealers in Georgia.
The bill will now move on to the State House for final approval.
[UPDATE] You can view the roll call vote here.