Omar Bennett
On March 10, 2022, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 272, also known as the constitutional carry bill, into law. The bill eliminates the requirement for Alabama residents to obtain a permit for the concealed carry of pistols under most circumstances. It also revises certain restrictions related to carrying and possessing a pistol. The bill was opposed by law enforcement groups, who argued that permits help fight crime and enhance public safety. However, supporters of the bill claimed that it was a victory for Second Amendment rights and the right to bear arms without government infringement. The bill went into effect on January 1, 2023, making Alabama the 22nd state to approve concealed carry without a permit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bill Number | HB272 |
| Bill Sponsor | Rep. Shane Stringer |
| Bill Signed Into Law | Yes |
| Date Signed Into Law | March 10, 2022 |
| Date Bill Takes Effect | January 1, 2023 |
| Governor | Kay Ivey |
| Requirements for Concealed Carry | None, except for certain out-of-state circumstances |
| Requirements for Open Carry | None, except for certain locations |
| Age Requirement | 19+ |
| Opposition | Law enforcement, Democrats in the House and Senate, gun control activists |
| Support | Gun rights activists, the NRA, the National Association for Gun Rights |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Alabama is the 22nd constitutional carry state
Alabama has become the 22nd US state to pass constitutional carry, allowing its residents to carry a concealed gun without a permit. Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 272, also known as the constitutional carry bill, into law on March 10, 2022. The bill took effect on January 1, 2023, and allows any Alabama resident or other US citizens aged 19 or older to carry a concealed pistol without a permit, as long as they are legally permitted to carry a firearm.
The bill's passage has been praised by gun rights activists as a victory for Second Amendment rights, with supporters arguing that it reaffirms Alabama's commitment to defending the Second Amendment rights of its citizens. Dudley Brown, President of the National Association for Gun Rights, celebrated the bill's passage, stating that it will soon restore Alabamians' constitutional right to bear arms without government infringement. The NRA also released a statement applauding Governor Ivey for signing the bill.
However, the bill has also faced opposition, particularly from law enforcement groups and Democrats in the House and Senate. Critics argue that the removal of the permit requirement will make it harder for law enforcement officers to fight crime and enhance public safety. They believe that permits are an important tool in keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and that the bill puts communities and first responders at greater risk. Some individuals have also expressed concerns about the potential impact on gun safety, especially for young people who may now have access to weapons without proper training.
Despite the controversy, Alabama has joined the ranks of other constitutional carry states, where individuals can carry a concealed firearm without a permit. This development highlights the ongoing debate surrounding gun rights and public safety in the United States.
Utah's Constitutional Carry: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
The bill was signed by Governor Kay Ivey
On March 10, 2022, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 272, also known as the constitutional carry bill, into law. The bill eliminates the requirement for Alabama residents to obtain a permit to carry a concealed pistol on their person or in their vehicle. This makes Alabama the 22nd state to approve concealed carry without a permit.
Governor Ivey defended the bill as a protection of the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Alabamians. "I have always stood up for the rights of law-abiding gun owners, and I am proud to do that again today," she said. Ivey also stated that, unlike other states, Alabama is "reaffirming our commitment to defending our Second Amendment rights."
The passage of the bill was not without controversy. While gun-rights advocates praised the legislation, opponents, including local law enforcement, argued that permits help fight crime and enhance public safety. "Governor Ivey and all of the lawmakers who voted yes on this reckless legislation have chosen the gun lobby over law enforcement and public safety," said Paula Wilson, a volunteer with the Alabama chapter of Moms Demand Action.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Shane Stringer, who said that removing the permit requirement lifts a burden on Alabamians' Second Amendment rights. "I am deeply thankful to my colleagues in the Legislature for passing this constitutional carry measure, which allows Alabamians to exercise their fundamental rights without first having to pay a gun tax in the form of permit fees," Stringer said.
Diplomatic Agenda: Who Executes Foreign Policy?
You may want to see also
The bill removes the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed pistol
Alabama's Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 272, also known as the constitutional carry bill, into law on March 10, 2022. The bill eliminates the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed pistol and revises certain restrictions related to carrying and possessing a pistol. This makes Alabama the 22nd state to allow its residents to carry a concealed gun without a permit.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Shane Stringer, who issued a statement emphasising his 30 years of experience in law enforcement and his priority of ensuring officer safety during the crafting of the bill. Governor Ivey defended the bill by stating Alabama's commitment to defending the Second Amendment rights of its law-abiding citizens. She also mentioned that the bill reaffirms the state's stance on gun ownership, making it easier for law-abiding citizens to exercise their rights.
The passage of the bill was not without controversy. Gun rights advocates supported the removal of the permit requirement for carrying a concealed pistol, while opponents, including local law enforcement, argued that permits help fight crime and enhance public safety. Some law enforcement officers expressed concern that the bill would make it more challenging to get illegal guns off the streets and compromise officers' safety.
Despite the opposition, the bill took effect on January 1, 2023, allowing any law-abiding Alabama resident or other law-abiding citizen, regardless of their state of residence, who is 19 years or older and legally permitted to carry a firearm, to do so without a permit. However, it is important to note that Alabama Code Section 13A-11-72 prohibits minors from possessing firearms unless they are engaged in specific supervised activities. Additionally, individuals cannot carry a concealed weapon on private property without the owner's consent and must comply with Alabama State Law when storing firearms in their vehicles.
Constitutional Carry: Understanding Your Right to Bear Arms
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The bill was opposed by law enforcement
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed the constitutional carry bill into law on March 12, 2022. The bill, known as House Bill 272, eliminates the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed pistol. While the bill's passage was celebrated by gun rights advocates, it was opposed by some local law enforcement officials, who argued that permits help fight crime and enhance public safety.
The opposition from law enforcement in Alabama is not an isolated case. When similar constitutional carry bills have been proposed or passed in other states, law enforcement officers and their representative bodies have often been among the most vocal critics. For example, in New York, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman argued that such a law would "undermine the core principles of federalism, the traditional police powers of state governments, and the safety of law enforcement officers across the country."
The concerns raised by law enforcement are not without merit. By eliminating the requirement for permits, constitutional carry laws can make it more difficult for law enforcement officers to distinguish between legal and illegal gun possession. This, in turn, can hinder their ability to prevent and respond to gun-related crimes effectively.
In addition, the increased availability of guns due to constitutional carry laws can lead to a higher risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands, including those of young people or individuals with mental health issues. This can further contribute to concerns about public safety and the well-being of officers.
While supporters of constitutional carry bills argue that they reaffirm Second Amendment rights, law enforcement's opposition highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the debate surrounding gun control in the United States.
Nebraska's Constitutional Carry: What Does the Law Allow?
You may want to see also
The bill was praised by gun rights activists
On March 10, 2022, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed House Bill 272, also known as the constitutional carry bill, into law. The bill eliminates the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed pistol, and revises certain restrictions related to carrying and possessing a pistol.
Supporters of the bill argued that it would reduce red tape and costs for law-abiding citizens wishing to exercise their right to carry. They also believed that the bill would provide an added layer of protection for average Alabamians against potential attacks and lawless individuals. Additionally, some individuals expressed relief that they would no longer need to obtain a permit to carry a concealed pistol, especially when travelling across state lines.
However, it is important to note that the bill was not without controversy. It faced opposition from law enforcement groups and some local law enforcement officers, who argued that permits help fight crime and enhance public safety. They believed that removing the permit requirement would make it harder for them to keep illegal guns off the streets and potentially put officers, communities, and first responders at greater risk.
How the Northwest Ordinance Influenced the US Constitution
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Alabama passed constitutional carry on March 10, 2022, when Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 272, also known as the constitutional carry bill, into law.
The bill allows most Alabama citizens to carry a concealed pistol on their person or in their vehicle without a permit.
The constitutional carry bill in Alabama went into effect on January 1, 2023.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is a victory for Second Amendment rights, allowing law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to carry a firearm without government infringement and the associated red tape and costs.
Critics of the bill warn that it will make it easier for criminals to obtain guns and increase gun violence, and that it will rob law enforcement of an important tool for fighting crime and enhancing public safety.
