A House lawmaker has pre-filed legislation that would make getting a concealed weapon permit voluntary.

Republican Rep. Jason Spencer of Woodbine pre-filed House Bill 679, which would eliminate the permit requirement to carry a gun or knife longer than 5 inches that is not visible. Currently, about 300,000 Georgians have concealed weapon permits.

The permits are issued by local probate judges, who certify that the permit holder isn't prohibited by law from having a concealed weapon.

Tags: guns, gun bill, Georgia gun law, concealed weapon permit