DeKalb commissioners propose gun control measures after Parkland shooting
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution urging retailers and lawmakers to prohibit gun sales to people under age 21 and end or limit the availability of “bump stocks,” high-capacity magazines and military grade assault weapons.
The non-binding measure would mainly serve as a symbol of the Democratic-controlled commission's position on gun control. It is scheduled for a vote at the commission meeting on Tuesday after it was approved by a subcommittee this week.
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Commissioner Kathie Gannon proposed the resolution in response to the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. It notes that state law currently prohibits local governments, including DeKalb, from passing ordinances restricting the sale of guns or ammunition.
Several commissioners said the state needed to consider changing.
“I believe in the Second Amendment and I believe in the right to bear arms, but there has to be some common sense added to that,” Mereda Davis Johnson said.
Copies of the resolution, if it is approved, will be sent to the mayor of Parkland and members of the General Assembly and Congress that represent DeKalb.
Read the gun resolution:
About the Author
Tia Mitchell is the AJC’s Washington Bureau Chief and a co-host of the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She writes about Georgia’s congressional delegation, campaigns, elections and the impact that decisions made in D.C. have on residents of the Peach State.
