In Georgia, gun owners with serious mental illnesses can retain their federal gun rights as long as they voluntarily enter treatment when they experience crises. Some argue that leaves a gap open in background check systems that could be dangerous.
Probate judges are responsible for issuing “weapons carry” licenses in Georgia. Athens/Clarke County Probate Judge Susan Tate is the chair of the probate judge council’s weapons carry license committee and used to chair its mental health committee.
Sometimes family members or police come to her concerned about someone they know who has a serious mental illness and who’s in crisis.
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