Augusta, GA — Following last year’s tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School, several groups are urging Georgia lawmakers to strengthen the state’s gun laws. In response, state lawmakers have passed House Bill 79, a measure that would establish a tax credit program aimed at encouraging gun owners to invest in secure firearm storage devices and complete safety courses.

The bill, which was approved by the Georgia House of Representatives, would provide up to $300 in tax credits per taxpayer for purchases of firearm safety equipment such as gun safes, trigger locks, and cable locks. The state has set a cap of $10 million annually for the program, which will run from 2026 through 2031 if it passes the state Senate. However, taxpayers would only be eligible for the credit once in their lifetime.

Proponents of the bill argue that providing financial incentives for secure firearm storage is a step in the right direction, aiming to reduce accidental shootings and thefts. But some lawmakers, particularly Democrats, believe the measure falls short of addressing the broader issue of gun safety in the state.

State Representative Mark Newton, a key supporter of the bill, emphasized the importance of preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands. “Another devastating group is 30% of firearm deaths under age 19, which are suicides. Any one of us would be devastated if a child used a firearm to end their life,” Newton said during a recent discussion.

In response, some Democratic lawmakers are calling for more comprehensive legislation that would require adults to securely store their firearms when children are present in the home. They argue that such a law could significantly reduce the risk of accidental shootings and prevent tragedies related to young people gaining access to firearms.

While the tax credit initiative is a notable step toward encouraging gun owners to take responsibility for securing their weapons, the debate over how best to address gun violence in Georgia is far from settled. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it remains to be seen whether it will gain enough support in the state Senate or if further measures will be introduced to address the growing concerns about gun safety.

The conversation around gun laws in Georgia continues to evolve, with advocates pushing for more stringent measures to protect residents, particularly children, from gun-related accidents and violence.