Senate approves repeal of state ban on silencers despite law-enforcement objections
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Summary
SB 499 repeals Georgia's prohibition on possessing a silencer and aligns state law with federal silencer rules; sponsors emphasized hunting and hearing protection, while opponents and law-enforcement representatives warned about crime-impeding surveillance and sound-detection technology. The bill passed on a recorded vote.
Senator Ginn presented SB 499 to repeal the state prohibition on possessing a silencer and to align state law with federal restrictions and penalties. The sponsor framed the bill as important to hunters and shooters who use silencers for hearing protection and nuisance reduction, noting the importance of preserving law-abiding owners' rights.
Opponents on the floor warned that silencers have been used in high-profile crimes and that rolling back the state prohibition could undermine sound-detection and other public-safety tools used by police and sheriffs. Senator 22 argued the bill "is unnecessary" and would "encourage criminals" who could exploit quieter weapons to commit violent crime.
After debate and the adoption of a committee substitute, the Senate passed SB 499 (yeas 30, nays 20). Supporters said the bill includes felony penalties for use of a silencer in the commission of a crime; critics urged continued consultation with law enforcement.
