Georgia § 38-3-37 - Prohibited actions by government official or employee during declared state of emergency.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 38-3-37 — Prohibited actions by government official or employee during declared state of emergency., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-3-37. Prohibited actions by government official or employee during declared state of emergency.
As used in this Code section, the term: "Firearm" means any handgun, rifle, shotgun, or similar device or weapon which will or can be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or electrical charge. "License holder" shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 16-11-125.1. "Weapon" shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 16-11-125.1. No official or employee of the state or any political subdivision thereof, member of the National Guard in the service of the state, or any person operating pursuant to or under color of state law, while acting during or pursuant to a declared state of emergency, shall: Temporarily or permanently seize, or authorize the seizure of, any firearm or ammunition or any component thereof the possession of which was not prohibited by law at the time immediately prior to the declaration of a state of emergency, other than as provided by the criminal or forfeiture laws of this state; Prohibit possession of any firearm or ammunition or any component thereof or promulgate any rule, regulation, or order prohibiting possession of any firearm or ammunition or any component thereof if such possession was not otherwise prohibited by law at the time immediately prior to the declaration of a state of emergency; Prohibit any license holder from carrying any weapon or promulgate any rule, regulation, or order prohibiting such carrying if such carrying was not otherwise prohibited by law at the time immediately prior to the declaration of a state of emergency; or Require the registration of any firearm. (Code 1981, § 38-3-37 , enacted by Ga. L. 2014, p. 599, § 2-2/HB 60.) Cross references. - Right to Keep and Bear Arms, US Const., amend. 2. Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2014, p. 599, § 1-1/HB 60, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Safe Carry Protection Act.'" Ga. L. 2014, p. 599, § 2-1/HB 60, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: "This part shall be known to be in honor of Representative Bobby Franklin." Law reviews. - For article on the 2014 enactment of this Code section, see 31 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 47 (2014).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 38-3-37
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 38-3-37 cover?
Section 38-3-37 ("Prohibited actions by government official or employee during declared state of emergency.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 38-3-37?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 38-3-37" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 38-3-37 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.