A bill filed Thursday would strengthen state law allowing guns in non-secured areas of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

House Bill 356, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell, R-Hartwell, would specify legitimate zones for concealed-carry as parking lots, shops and other areas of the airport’s terminals outside the screening checkpoint and normally open to unscreened passengers or visitors.

HB 356 would make it a misdemeanor if someone brought a weapon unknowingly into a secure area. It would be a felony if the person did so with an intent to commit another crime, including a fine of up to $15,000 and at least a year in jail.

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(From left) State Election Board member Rick Jeffares, executive director James Mills, vice chair Janice Johnston and member Janelle King listen during an election board meeting at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The board voted down a proposal to eliminate Georgia’s touchscreen voting system and switch to hand-marked paper ballots. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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Democrat Eric Gisler celebrated his Tuesday election victory at the Trappeze Pub in Athens, Ga. (AP)

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