Gun Rights Bill Passes Amid Flurry Of Activity On Health Legislation

House Bill 218 was among a series of health-related bills that drew votes Monday in the waning hours of the Georgia Assembly. The session adjourns Wednesday.

Seth Perlman / AP Photo

Despite two recent mass shootings, including one in Georgia, the state Senate on Monday passed a gun rights bill that proponents say protects the Second Amendment freedoms of citizens.

The bill passed along party lines, with Republicans, who control the chamber, voting in favor of it.

Gov. Brian Kemp’s floor leader, Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia), said House Bill 218 reflected “Georgia’s commitment’’ to protect citizens’ rights.