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Committee passes substitute to preserve suppressor possession after federal changes
Summary
A committee passed a substitute to keep state law aligned with federal changes affecting suppressors and related definitions; witnesses said the substitute preserves Georgians’ ability to possess suppressors if federal classifications change and relocates definitions for clarity.
Lawmakers approved a substitute to a firearms‑related bill to preserve Georgians’ ability to possess suppressors if federal law changes.
Leader Hatchett explained the substitute was prompted by federal law changes and that the substitute preserves an enhancement for using a firearm equipped with a silencer or suppressor during the commission of certain crimes while relocating and consolidating definitions for clarity.
Knox Williams, identified in testimony as president of the American Suppressor Association, told the committee the change was needed to make sure suppressors remain lawful in Georgia even if federal classifications change. The presenter said the substitute relocates existing definitions so that the code section’s definitions are all in one place rather than creating new definitions.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about the language and whether the substitute would unintentionally change other code sections; legislative counsel and presenters said the edits were primarily relocations and clarifications rather than substantive changes. The committee then voted to pass the substitute and the motion carried.
What happens next: The substitute will move forward for additional consideration or to the next legislative stage; sponsors and counsel signaled the measure was meant to ensure state law tracks federal changes affecting NFA regulation and possession.
