Georgia lawmaker pre-files bump stock ban bill

ATLANTA - A state lawmaker has pre-filed legislation to stop not only the use, but also the possession of bump stocks in Georgia.

Representative Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur, filed House Bill 651 Wednesday so it can be taken up by the General Assembly when they convene in January.

"This is an opportunity for Georgia voters to engage in this discussion," explained Rep. Oliver. "Do they think that this device--cheap, easily implemented--should be lawful to turn an ordinary weapon into a lethal, rapid-fire, assault-type weapon?"

The issue came sharply into focus last month after police said the gunman in the Las Vegas massacre used a bump stock to fire off hundreds of rounds in a short amount of time.  58 people died in the shooting.

Representative Oliver's bill would add "bump fire stocks" to the list of "dangerous weapons" banned under Georgia law.  Violators could face up to five years in prison.

The legislation already has fierce opposition.  State Senator Michael Williams, R-Cumming, released a statement early Thursday morning announcing his intentions to fight the legislation.

"My war against Representative Oliver's unconstitutional legislation will make all Democrats think twice before attempting to take away gun rights from Georgia citizens," said Sen. Williams.

Williams is a candidate for Governor and he made headlines last month when his campaign announced a bump stock giveaway to show his commitment to protecting the Second Amendment.

"We've just got to make a stand and say, 'No, we're not going to allow you to do that.'  There's nothing inherently wrong with a bump stock," he said in an interview with FOX 5 October 19.

Oliver, however, said the Second Amendment is not absolute.

"Every Constitutional Amendment has limitations.   The Second Amendment has limitations.  Already in Georgia, we prohibit certain weapons," she explained.  "I wish for the bump fire stock device to be part of the dangerous weapons in Georgia law that's prohibited." 

The legislative sessions begins January 8.