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HB 452

EDUCATION-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 452 prohibits individuals convicted of family violence or under protective orders from possessing firearms, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce domestic violence.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 452

Summary of House Bill 452

Bill Number: HB 452
Title: Firearms; persons convicted of family violence offenses cannot possess or purchase; provide
Status: House Second Readers
Introduced: February 13, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 452 aims to enhance public safety by prohibiting individuals convicted of family violence offenses or those subject to family violence protective orders from possessing, purchasing, or transferring firearms. The bill seeks to address the potential risks associated with firearm access for individuals with a history of family violence, thereby aiming to reduce incidents of domestic violence and improve community safety.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to the existing laws regarding firearm possession:

  1. Prohibition on Firearm Possession:

    • Individuals convicted of family violence offenses are barred from receiving, possessing, transporting, purchasing, or transferring firearms.
    • This prohibition also extends to individuals who are subject to a family violence protective order.

  2. Definitions:

    • The bill provides clear definitions for key terms, including:
      • Family Violence Offense: Offenses committed against past or present spouses, parents, children, and others living in the same household.
      • Family Violence Protective Order: A court order that restrains an individual from harassing or threatening another party, indicating a credible threat to physical safety.

  3. Penalties:

    • Violating the firearm possession prohibition can result in felony charges, with penalties ranging from one to ten years of imprisonment, depending on the nature of the offense and prior convictions.
    • Specific penalties are outlined for those who attempt to purchase or obtain firearms while under these prohibitions.

  4. Exemptions:

    • The bill includes provisions for individuals who have been pardoned for their felony convictions, allowing them to regain their firearm rights under certain conditions.

Impact

  • Affected Individuals: The bill directly impacts individuals with convictions for family violence offenses and those under family violence protective orders, restricting their access to firearms.
  • Public Safety: By limiting firearm access for individuals with a history of family violence, the bill aims to reduce the risk of further violence and enhance the safety of victims and communities.
  • Legal Framework: The bill amends existing laws in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically targeting the intersection of family violence and firearm possession.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • Introduced on February 13, 2025.
    • Passed through the House First Readers on February 18, 2025.
    • Currently under consideration as House Second Readers as of February 19, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 452, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on public safety and individuals affected by family violence.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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