Georgia lawmakers push for voluntary firearm do-not-sell list

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia lawmakers are pushing for the state to start a voluntary do-not-sell list for guns to help those struggling with their mental health.

Donna’s Law, which has been enacted in three states, creates a do-not-sell list for people wanting to keep themselves from purchasing a firearm.

It’s a voluntary self-registry program aimed at helping anyone who may contemplate suicide. After g up, they could still reverse the decision. To reverse registration, they would be given a waiting period of a couple of weeks.

Chelsea Piatt works for the not-for-profit American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Her father died by suicide after struggling with mental health. She spoke in favor of the bill before the Senate’s Public Safety Committee.

“People are struggling, more people are dying by suicide, and suicide is preventable. If this law is in place, maybe their families won’t have to suffer like mine did,” said Piatt.

In 2022, the last year for which we have data, 1,626 Georgians died by suicide, according to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities. Firearms are the leading means of death by suicide in Georgia, ing for 67% of all suicide deaths.

Unlike other means of attempting suicide, there is no opportunity to reconsider after pulling the trigger, Piatt said.

Democratic state senators Elena Parent and Sally Harrell sponsored the bill. The pair said space can give someone time to get help if they are thinking about suicide.

“There are too many people hurting in our state. The COVID-19 pandemic expanded and intensified a growing mental health crisis in Georgia,” Sen. Harrell said.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 40% of Georgians have reported at least one mental or behavioral health condition. Mental Health America ranks Georgia as one of the worst states in the country for access to mental health care.

The bill is named Donna’s Law after Donna Nathan. Nathan’s daughter Katrina Brees spoke at a Georgia Senate press conference Tuesday. Brees said despite a recent voluntary mental health stay at an inpatient facility, her mother searched for a gun store near her home and purchased a firearm in a matter of minutes.

“I know my mom would have signed up for this list because she definitely did not want to die,” said Brees.

The Senate Public Safety Committee heard the bill but never voted on it. The bill is not likely to make it to the governor’s desk this session.

If you are struggling and need help, call 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline.

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