- Lawmakers said they are trying to respect the Second Amendment while calling for change to Georgia law.

A longtime Georgia State Representative announced Thursday she will push for a ban on assault weapons.

Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) and her co-sponsors want to ban the sale, possession and distribution of certain assault weapons and some types of bullets.

Oliver said all the recent gun violence and mass shootings across the country, sparked her to make a move this session.

She said she's encouraged by a recent poll that found 57 percent of people support a ban on assault weapons.

During a press conference, Rep. Oliver said seven states have banned assault weapons and she wants Georgia to join the list. A number of local faith leaders who agree with the proposed ban joined her at the news conference.