SB264 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Scott Beason

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Del MarshShadrack McGillClay ScofieldBill HoltzclawMark Slade BlackwellGerald H. AllenJ.T. WaggonerArthur OrrJimmy HolleyTrip PittmanRusty GloverRoger Bedford, Jr.

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Firearms, concealed pistol permits, lifetime permit authorized, fees for issuance, Secs. 11-45-1.1, 13A-11-52, 13A-11-59 repealed; Secs. 11-80-11, 13A-11-7, 13A-11-73, 13A-11-75, 13A-11-85 am'd.

Summary

SB264 would shift firearm regulation to the state level, limit local gun rules, expand where and how people can carry pistols (including in cars and on property), set firearm license rules with reciprocity, and create civil remedies for people harmed by unauthorized local actions.

What This Bill Does

The bill preempts most local government gun regulations, consolidates authority over firearms at the state level, and allows civil action against local actions that unlawfully regulate firearms. It clarifies that carrying a pistol in a vehicle is allowed and that simply having a pistol in a vehicle does not prove it is concealed, and that lawful carrying is not automatically disorderly conduct. It creates a detailed concealed pistol licensing process (issuance within 30 days, licenses valid 1-5 years, eligibility criteria, revocation and appeals, and background checks), allows licenses for non-U.S. citizens under certain conditions, and establishes reciprocity with other states through the Attorney General. It also addresses employer and property policies on carrying, storage, and transport of firearms, requires secure storage at designated entrances on state or local property, and repeals several existing local gun restrictions.

Who It Affects

• Gun owners and license applicants: would be subject to new statewide license requirements, eligibility rules, fees, renewal periods, and a system of background checks, including inquiries about citizenship for non-citizens; they would also gain clearer rights to carry in vehicles and on property under defined conditions.
• Employers, private and public property owners, and local governments: would face state preemption limits on local firearm rules, with restricted ability to prohibit or regulate carrying or storage in certain ways; they would be required to allow vehicle storage under specified conditions and could face civil actions if they deny compliant storage or transport, and they would need to comply with designated entrance check/storage policies on state/local property.

Key Provisions

• Consolidates preemption: counties and municipalities cannot regulate gun shows, possession, transport, carrying, sale, licensing, or use of firearms or ammunition, with limited exceptions; aggressive local action can be challenged by citizens and remedied through civil actions.
• Public safety exceptions and taxes: local regulation of firearm discharge and certain taxes on firearms may remain under law, but general firearm regulation is preempted by state law.
• Pistol in motor vehicles: allows possession of a pistol in a vehicle and states that merely having a pistol in a vehicle does not create a presumption of concealment; storage and handling rules are defined for transportation and parking contexts.
• Disorderly conduct: lawful carrying of a firearm does not, by itself, constitute disorderly conduct.
• Concealed pistol permits: sheriffs must issue or renew a license within 30 days of a complete application; licenses may be issued for 1-5 years; establish eligibility standards, revocation authority, and an appeals process with a review panel (probate judge, district attorney, and local bar president); license fees are capped and handled through county funds; require pre-issuance background checks including NIICS.
• Non-citizen permits: permits may be issued to applicants who are not U.S. citizens under certain conditions; immigration status checks are required as part of the process.
• Reciprocity: Attorney General can enter into reciprocal agreements with other states for mutual recognition of licenses to carry pistols and publish a list of recognizing states.
• Employer and vehicle storage protections: employers may restrict carrying on property, but may not prohibit transport or storage of a firearm in an employee’s privately owned vehicle under defined conditions; employees may recover remedies through civil action if restrictions are violated.
• Storage at entrances: state and local entities must allow designated check-in and secure storage for firearms at entrances while on property.
• Property restrictions: private property owners may restrict firearms with proper notice or posted signs; trespass provisions apply for violations.
• Places with security restrictions: prohibits carrying into certain secured buildings or facilities unless permission is granted; requires designated entrances for storage during presence on the property; violators face penalties.
• Civil actions against local actions: individuals adversely affected by local firearm orders or rules can seek declarative and injunctive relief; the Attorney General can pursue action after notice and investigation, and reasonable expenses may be awarded if successful.
• Repeals: repeals Section 11-45-1.1 (municipal handguns), 13A-11-52 (carry on property of another), and 13A-11-59 (firearms at demonstrations).
• Constitutional spending note: the bill is exempt from Amendment 621 spending safeguards because it defines new crime or changes the crime definition, not just local funding requirements.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it or after it becomes law by other means.

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