Alabama: Senate Unanimously Approves SB 304

Yesterday, April 19, the Alabama Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 304 with a 27-0 vote.  SB 304 will now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration. 

SB 304 would allow law-abiding Alabamians to apply for a concealed carry permit in the county that offers the most affordable permitting fees.  Currently, costs for a standard 5-year permit very widely between counties, from a low of $40, to a high of $125.  Please begin contacting your state Representative in support of Senate Bill 304.  Please click the “Take Action” button below to contact your state Representative!

Background on Senate Bill 304:
Examples of costs differences between Alabama’s 67 counties for a standard 5-year Concealed Weapons License (CWL):

• Low – Jefferson County - $40 for a standard 5 year permit
• High –$125 for a standard 5 year permit, in:

                -Coosa
                -DeKalb
                -Lowndes
                -Macon

• Over a 5-year period those rights cost approximately $85.00 more in Macon County compared to Jefferson County.
• The permittee receives no additional benefit for this more expensive permit.
• Counties that charge excessive fees are simply generating revenue from a small group of law-abiding residents.
• It is a discriminatory tax on law-abiding gun owners.
• Senate Bill 304 recognizes that a law-abiding Alabamian’s right and ability to obtain a concealed weapon license should not be impeded based, simply, on the county in which they live.
• Under Alabama’s existing licensing scheme, provided an individual who wishes to obtain a CWL must apply for such license in their county of residence.  Furthermore, under current law, counties have discretion in determining the cost of a CWL.
• Senate Bill 304, would allow a law-abiding Alabama resident to obtain a CWL in any county within the state, provided that they are not statutorily disqualified from doing so.