Politics & Government

Should 18 to 21-Year-Olds Be Allowed To Carry Guns?

State Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, who represents portions of Cartersville and Bartow County introduced a bill that would allow those with military training to get a Georgia weapons carry license.

State Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R- Cassville, has introduced Senate Bill 74, which would authorize military-trained 18- to 21-year-olds to be issued a Georgia weapons carry license.

"Our military personnel are highly trained in the use of firearms," Loudermilk said in a press release. "We send them to professional military training where they are taught how to properly and safely carry and use these weapons. Even as young as seventeen, we train them, issue them a weapon and send them to patrol some of the most dangerous streets in the world where they are faced with making instantaneous life or death decisions. However, when they come home, we tell them that they are not responsible enough to legally carry a weapon for their own protection or for professional purposes."

SB 74 would allow any Georgia resident between the ages of 18 and 21 who has graduated basic military training with any branch of the U.S. military or the Coast Guard to secure a weapons carry license.

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"There are jobs available in the security industry and private investigation, where employers are seeking to hire these experienced and well disciplined individuals to fill positions," Loudermilk said. "SB 74 would open up opportunities in these careers for our returning veterans, who can apply the training and skills they have received while serving our country."

SB 74 is currently awaiting assignment to a committee. Β 

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Loudermilk represents portions of Cartersville and Bartow County.

What do you think? Should military-trained 18- to 21-year-old be allowed to get a weapons carry license in Georgia? Tell us in the comments.

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