Georgia’s attorney general, Chris Carr, has filed a lawsuit against the city of Savannah for enacting an ordinance that makes it illegal to leave firearms in unlocked cars. Carr argues that the city overstepped its authority by regulating firearms, which is designated as an issue of statewide concern by the General Assembly. The law carries penalties of a $1,000 fine and 30 days in jail, but Savannah Mayor Van Johnson is standing firm on the ordinance, stating that it remains in effect and will continue to be enforced.
The city of Savannah enacted the ordinance in April in an effort to combat gun theft, citing statistics showing that over 200 guns were reported stolen from vehicles that were left unlocked. The law requires parked vehicles to be locked when guns are stored inside and mandates that gun thefts be reported to the police within 24 hours. Despite pushback from the Georgia attorney general and a lawsuit filed by a frequent visitor to Savannah, the city council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance, with support from groups like Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
Gun control advocates in Savannah had previously attempted to persuade state lawmakers to adopt a $300 state income tax credit for gun locks, safes, and safety classes, but were unsuccessful. This prompted Savannah officials to take matters into their own hands and pass the ordinance in an effort to encourage responsible gun ownership without infringing on Second Amendment rights. However, Carr’s letter warns that the city could face civil liability for enforcing the ordinance, citing previous court rulings that struck down similar gun restrictions imposed by local governments in Georgia.
The ongoing legal battle between the state attorney general and the city of Savannah highlights the broader debate over gun regulations in Georgia, where the state legislature is dominated by Republicans. Carr’s letter suggests that the dispute may result in a court battle over whether city governments have the authority to impose gun safety measures that have not been supported at the state level. Despite concerns raised by Carr and the possibility of civil liability, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson remains steadfast in his support of the ordinance, emphasizing the importance of responsible gun ownership and public safety.
Savannah’s gun ordinance comes in response to rising gun thefts from vehicles, with a significant number of these thefts occurring from unlocked cars. The city’s efforts to combat this issue have received support from local residents, as well as advocacy groups like Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. While the legal battle between the state attorney general and Savannah officials continues, the ordinance remains in effect, with Mayor Johnson affirming that it will be enforced. As the debate over gun regulations in Georgia unfolds, the outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the ability of local governments to enact gun safety measures in the state.
