SB129 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Scott Beason

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Bill HoltzclawPaul SanfordRusty GloverJimmy HolleyDel Marsh

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Firearms, concealed pistol permits, lifetime permit authorized, fees for issuance, Secs. 11-45-1.1, 13A-11-59 repealed; Secs. 11-80-11, 13A-11-7, 13A-11-52, 13A-11-75, 13A-11-85 am'd.

Summary

SB129 would centralize firearm regulation at the state level, standardize concealed pistol permits, and create penalties and civil remedies related to firearm regulation.

What This Bill Does

It consolidates local preemption rules so counties and municipalities cannot regulate firearms except where explicitly allowed, and it creates civil remedies for people adversely affected by unlawful local gun rules. It adds penalties for public officials who enact unlawful firearm ordinances and clarifies that lawful firearm carrying is not automatically disorderly conduct. It establishes a statewide process for concealed pistol permits (timely issuance, renewals, fees, eligibility, and background checks), allows non-citizens to obtain permits under certain conditions, sets location-based carry restrictions, allows judges to regulate firearms in courtrooms, and enables reciprocal license recognition with other states; it also repeals previous prohibitions on carrying at public demonstrations and strengthens local preemption provisions with specific effective dates.

Who It Affects

• Gun owners and permit applicants (including some non-U.S. citizens) who would experience a standardized statewide permit process, background checks, timeframes for issuance, and potential new carry location rules.
• Local governments and public officials who would face stronger limits on firearm regulation, potential civil suits for unlawful local firearm actions, and new penalties for violating the law.

Key Provisions

• Consolidation of preemption: local governments cannot regulate firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories except where explicitly allowed by state law, with civil remedies for those adversely affected by unauthorized local actions.
• Penalties for public officials: knowingly and willfully enacting unlawful gun regulations can lead to a district attorney investigation and a court-imposed fine between $10,000 and $100,000, with public funds not allowed to be used to defend the official.
• Disorderly conduct clarified: lawful carrying of a firearm does not by itself constitute disorderly conduct.
• Concealed pistol permits: sheriffs must issue or deny within 30 days of a complete application; permits issued for 1 to 5 years; annual fee of $10; specific eligibility requirements; mandatory NI background checks; allows non-U.S. citizens under certain conditions; permits may be restricted by employers and private property owners under defined rules; location restrictions apply (e.g., police stations, prisons, mental health facilities).
• Reciprocity and recognition: Attorney General can enter into reciprocal agreements with other states for recognition of licenses; out-of-state license holders must follow Alabama law when in the state.
• Locations and courtroom rules: judges may determine who may possess or carry firearms in courtrooms; employers and property owners may restrict carrying on premises under specific conditions.
• Repeals and amendments: repeals the prohibition on possessing a firearm at public demonstrations and repeals certain existing handgun ordinances; expands state preemption over local firearm regulation.
• Effective dates: most provisions take effect on the first day of the third month after passage; the provisions relating to penalties for public officials (subsection f) become effective 90 days after the governor signs, with other provisions taking effect as described.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Weapons