Alabama: NRA-Supported Omnibus Firearms Bill Passes House Committee

Contact your state Representative TODAY to support Senate Bill 286

Today, the Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee passed Senate Bill 286 by a 6 to 2 vote.   SB 286 was championed by state Senators Scott Beason (R-17) and Roger Bedford (D-6).  State Representative Ed Henry (R-9) offered a substitute for Senate Bill 286 in committee, and this will be the bill that will come to the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives.  While SB 286 has not yet been scheduled for consideration on the state House floor, please contact your state Representative in support of SB 286.   Contact information for your state Representative can be found here.

While not perfect, the language that was substituted in Senate Bill 286 will continue to restore and protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen in Alabama by reforming the state gun laws in the following ways:

• Allows those who possess a valid Alabama pistol permit to keep firearms stored in their vehicle while at work, as well as allowing those who possess a valid Alabama hunting license to store an unloaded rifle or shotgun in their vehicle while at work.
• Allows for the transportation of a handgun without an Alabama pistol permit as long as the handgun is unloaded, locked in a container and out of reach of the driver or passenger.
• Shifts the current “May Issue” concealed carry permit system to a “Shall Issue” permit system and requires that a sheriff must issue or deny the carry permit within thirty days.  Should someone be denied a permit, a written denial must be provided and that applicant would have an opportunity to appeal the denial.
• A permit to carry a concealed pistol shall be good for one to five years (to be decided by the applicant seeking the carry permit).
• Requires sheriffs to use the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to conduct a background check on concealed pistol permit applicants.
• Allows for all other valid state-issued permits to carry a concealed firearm to be recognized in Alabama.
• Strengthens Alabama’s firearms preemption statute by reserving for the state legislature complete control over regulation and policy relating to firearms, ammunition and firearm accessories in order to ensure that such regulation is applied uniformly throughout the state.
• Extends the current Castle Doctrine to include places of business to ensure the right of self-defense does not end when you enter your business.