ATL Standard

Sen. Elena Parent and Sen. Sally Harrell are set to hold a press conference to discuss Senate Bill 522, also known as Donna’s Law. The legislation aims to establish a voluntary “No Sell” firearms list in Georgia. The initiative allows individuals with suicidal thoughts to voluntarily place themselves on the FBI’s NICS Firearms Checks list as a measure of self-protection.

The law, named after Donna Nathan, who tragically took her own life after purchasing a firearm following years of battling bipolar disorder, seeks to address the increasing suicide rates in the state. If passed, Georgia would become the fourth state to implement such a law, joining others in efforts to prevent impulsive decisions by individuals facing mental health challenges.

Senators Parent and Harrell will be joined by Chelsea Piatt from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Dr. Peter Ash from Emory University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the press conference. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13th, at 3:00 p.m. in Room 203 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta, GA. The press conference follows a hearing on the measure in the Senate Committee on Public Safety and is open to the public.

In a statement, Sen. Elena Parent emphasized the importance of the legislation, saying, “Senate Bill 522 aims to provide a proactive approach to support individuals in crisis and prevent impulsive decisions that can have tragic consequences.”

Sen. Sally Harrell stressed the need for such measures in light of the mental health crisis, stating, “With concerns over rising suicide rates in the state and a nationwide mental health crisis, it is crucial that we take steps to protect individuals who may be in distress.”

Members of the media interested in attending the press conference are encouraged to confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Sydney Horwitz at the Senate Press Office. Further details about the event can be obtained by reaching out to Sen. Elena Parent or Sen. Sally Harrell through the contact information provided.