HB3 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thomas JacksonRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Firearms, possession of prohibited in places of worship used by religious organizations, Sec. 13A-11-61.2 am'd.

Summary

HB3 would prohibit possessing or carrying a firearm in places of worship in Alabama, even for permit holders, and impose storage, notice, and enforcement rules with a misdemeanor penalty.

What This Bill Does

Adds places of worship to the list of locations where a person may not knowingly possess or carry a firearm without express permission from the premises authority, even if the person has a permit. Requires notices at public entrances of premises indicating that firearms are prohibited, and mandates storage of firearms so they are not readily visible unless the area is a residence or other exceptions apply. Allows law enforcement to carry under existing duties and clarifies that federal law still applies; permits do not override firearm bans in these locations unless explicitly allowed by the premises.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who hold permits to carry a concealed pistol, who would be barred from carrying in places of worship unless the premises authority grants permission.
• Religious organizations and other premises listed (e.g., churches, government facilities, schools during certain events) that must enforce the ban, post notices, and manage storage and permissions for carrying on their property.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits knowingly possessing or carrying a firearm inside any place of worship used by a bona fide nonprofit religious organization without express permission of the premises' authority.
• Extends the prohibition to other specified locations (courthouses, jails, mental health facilities, police facilities, athletic facilities at schools, etc.) for permit holders unless permission is granted by the premises.
• Requires posting notices at public entrances to alert people that firearms are prohibited on the premises.
• Requires firearms to be kept out of ordinary observation and stored securely (locked container or securely affixed to a vehicle) except in certain listed exceptions.
• Classifies violations as a Class C misdemeanor.
• Specifies exceptions: possession at one's residence or during ingress/egress, and exemptions for law enforcement officers performing duties; does not override federal law.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after its passage.

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