Last year, Republicans in the state Senate were torn apart by a bill backed by the National Rifle Association, demanding that employees be permitted to keep handguns and such in vehicles parked on corporate lots.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce fought the organization to an ugly standstill, protesting what it called an infringement upon private property rights.

Round 2 will commence Monday, a full week before the Legislature convenes.

Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the NRA and the organization’s biggest gun, will head down to Atlanta for a day of pre-emptive meetings with “key legislative leaders,” said NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam.

LaPierre will be pushing H.B. 89, the current vehicle for the parking lots bill — though that’s open to change.

On LaPierre’s schedule is a noon press conference and an evening banquet. And no, he doesn’t do this often. “Him coming down to Atlanta to meet with state legislators is an indication that this is a very important bill for the association,” Arulanandam said.