HB 1324 Georgia House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Crimes and offenses; possessing a silencer; repeal prohibition

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to dangerous instrumentalities and practices, so as to repeal the prohibition on possessing a silencer; to provide for conforming changes; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Bill status failed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 17, 2026 Last action Mar 6, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

LC 39 4953/a → LC 39 5038S/rcs · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill substitutes a new version of HB 1324 that removes the prohibition on possessing silencers (gun suppressors) in Georgia. The changes also update the bill's language to include a new effective date provision and clarify definitions. The core policy shift is legalizing silencer possession while maintaining restrictions on using them during certain violent crimes.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from prohibiting silencer possession to allowing it, while maintaining restrictions on using silencers during commission of serious violent offenses.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the prohibition on possessing silencers from the bill's main purpose.

Modified Section 1 to specify that the bill repeals the existing prohibition on silencer possession in Code Section 16-11-121.

Modified Section 5 to clarify that while possession of silencers is now allowed, using them during violent crimes remains unlawful.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition section to clarify terms like 'silencer or suppressor' and 'bulletproof vest'.

TIMELINE

Added language about effective date and applicability to the bill's purpose statement.

Floor votes · House Mar 6, 2026

How they voted

77–62

Passed · 12 other

Total votes 151

Mar 6, 2026

D Democratic64

62 Nay 2

96% Nay

R Republican87

77 Yea 10

88% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 6, 2026

House · Passed

House Vote: pass (77-62-12)

house

Mar 3, 2026

Committee

House Withdrawn, Recommitted

lower

Feb 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Introduced

House Hopper

lower

5 primary · 0 co-sponsors