Alabama: NRA-Backed Omnibus Firearms Bill Overwhelmingly Passes House

Please contact your state Senator TODAY and ask him or her to concur on Senate Bill 286

Yesterday, Senate Bill 286 passed in the Alabama House of Representatives by an overwhelming 74-27 vote.  Sponsored by state Senators Scott Beason (R-17) and Roger Bedford (D-6) and state Representative Ed Henry (R-9), SB 286 will now return to the state Senate for a concurrence vote expected next Tuesday, May 7.  Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to vote to concur with the House amendments to this critical pro-gun reform.  Click here for help identifying your state Senator and his or her contact information.

There has been some misinformation spread about SB 286.  While not perfect, SB 286 is an important step in the right direction for the law-abiding gun owners of Alabama and residents of other states traveling to and through Alabama.  SB 286 will continue to restore and protect the rights of responsible 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 transportation of a handgun in a vehicle 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.