I can't speak for semp, but in Georgia, it's simple. Now, Ga. has passed the 'Constitutional carry law' which says you can carry openly without a permit. Personally, I think that is BS and here's why. In order to get my weapons carry permit, it used to be called a 'concealed weapons permit,' I had to be finger printed and my name and finger prints were run through the GCIC (Georgia Criminal Information Center) and the NCIC (National Criminal Information Center). In addition, the weapons carry permits are for five years, but.... If you are arrested on a felony charge, the local Sheriff will come get all of your guns. If you are listed as the 'assailant' in a domestic violence protection order, the Sheriff will come get your guns.
So, what the permit means to me is that, when a LEO sees my permit, he knows I'm clean. Squeaky clean.
In Georgia, then, you don't need a permit to open carry, but if you do have a permit, it gives any LEO you encounter a good reference on your behavior.
As for California, well, IMHO California is wacko. If you want to carry a pistol, talk to your local Sheriff's Office. Yeah, I get it that it's probably different in your county than it is in mine. We have one red light and a population of 5000 +/- and I went to high school with the Sheriff.
Internet research could probably answer most of your questions, but talking to someone live will save you lots of time.
So you got the permit but now it's not required?
Yes, California politics are whacko. The state is run by complete nut jobs. Democrats control the governor’s office, every statewide elected office, both U.S. Senate seats, 42 of 53 congressional districts and hold a supermajority in both houses of the state Legislature. Also, races can be decided between two Democrats - they allow the candidates with the most votes to run it off, regardless of party. So a race could be down to a Democrat vs another Democrat.
California is beyond whacko.
Arizona has allowed open or concealed carry with no permit required. It's been that way for at least 15 years. Before that it was open carry with no permit and conceal carry with a permit, which was given to anyone who passed the course. Last time I visited, I went to bar to meet family and friends. My girlfriend walked me to my car and she had her gun in her purse.
