“I think we’ve been hearing from a lot of law abiding citizens all across metro Atlanta and rural Georgia just about being able to defend themselves, and I think this is a considerable step to allow families and individuals from all across Georgia to be able to do that without any kind of government interference,” said State Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R) Dallas.

 Georgia gun owners are one step closer to being able to carry a firearm out in the open or concealed without a permit, according to wsbtv.

The Georgia State Senate Monday approved a bill that would allow gun owners to bypass getting a permit if they want to carry their firearms in public.

The bill would still require federal background checks on gun sales through licensed gun dealers.

Republican lawmakers praised the bill, saying it’s all about preserving the Second Amendment to the Constitution.

Democrats couldn’t stop passage of the bill in the GOP-controlled Senate, so they tried to tack on an amendment that would have expanded those federal background checks to include private sales including gun shows and flea markets. That measure was defeated.

“We’re aware that this sizable loophole exists in our current system in that about a fourth of people who obtain weapons don’t have a background check,” said State Sen. Michelle Au (D) Johns Creek.

The bill now goes to the House for approval.