HB18 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alvin Holmes

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Firearms, regulation, possession, and use of, Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 of Act 2013-283, 2013 Reg. Sess., repealed; Sec. 11-45-1.1 added; Secs. 11-80-11, 13A-3-23, 13A-11-7, 13A-11-52, 13A-11-70, 13A-11-73, 13A-11-75, 13A-11-85, 40-12-143 am'd.

Summary

HB18 repeals the 2013 gun-law overhaul and restores Alabama's firearm rules to their earlier form, while updating handgun licensing, self-defense rules, and gun-show taxes.

What This Bill Does

It repeals Act 2013-283 and restores several firearm-related provisions to their pre-2013 language. It strengthens state-level control by limiting local regulation of handgun possession and gun shows, while clarifying enforcement and tax authority. It updates self-defense provisions, including a broad immunity for using force and a presumption that carrying a visible pistol in public is not disorderly conduct. It overhauls the handgun licensing system—issuance, revocation, appeals, and reciprocity with other states—and adds license taxes and recordkeeping requirements for gun dealers and gun shows.

Who It Affects

• Gun owners and permit applicants, who would see changes to permit issuance timelines, eligibility, out-of-state reciprocity, and protections related to self-defense and use of force.
• Local governments, gun show organizers, firearms dealers, and other businesses involved with firearms, who would face strengthened state preemption, new license taxes for gun shows and dealers, and enhanced recordkeeping requirements.

Key Provisions

• Repeals Act 2013-283 and restores sections 11-80-11, 13A-3-23, 13A-11-7, 13A-11-52, 13A-11-70, 13A-11-73, 13A-11-75, 13A-11-85, and 40-12-143 to their original form prior to 2013-283, and adds Section 11-45-1.1.
• Section 11-45-1.1 restores state-level authority over handgun laws and prohibits municipalities from enacting ordinances that tax or restrict handgun possession, while preserving certain enforcement and tax authority.
• Section 11-80-11 restricts local regulation of gun shows and firearms, subject to specified exceptions and state tax/enforcement provisions.
• Section 13A-3-23 expands self-defense rights, including a broad justification for using deadly force in certain circumstances and immunity from criminal or civil liability unless the force is unlawful.
• Section 13A-11-7 creates a rebuttable presumption that merely carrying a visible pistol in public is not a violation of disorderly conduct.
• Section 13A-11-52 prohibits carrying a pistol on private property without a permit or owner consent, with exemptions for law enforcement.
• Section 13A-11-70 defines pistols and components and broadens the definition of 'crime of violence.'
• Section 13A-11-73 details permit restrictions and conditions for carrying a pistol, including vehicle carry and permit validity.
• Section 13A-11-75 outlines the permit application, issuance (within 30 days), revocation, appeal process, and background checks, including electronic options.
• Section 13A-11-85 provides for reciprocal recognition of out-of-state handgun licenses and requires the Attorney General to publish recognizing states.
• Section 40-12-143 imposes license taxes on pistol and related equipment dealers and gun shows, requires organizers to collect and remit taxes, maintains sale records, and allows license revocation for noncompliance.
• Section 2 reinstates and clarifies handgun-related restrictions at the municipal level, reinforcing state preemption and outlining confidentiality and public-record rules for licensing data.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Firearms