HB327 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ed Henry

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Firearms industry, nondiscrimination act, Secs. 6-5-760, 6-5-761, 6-5-762, 6-5-763, 6-5-764, 6-5-765, 6-5-766 added

Summary

HB327 would create the Alabama Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act to protect firearms industry businesses from discrimination and provide private and state enforcement options for refusals to sell or provide services based on firearms commerce.

What This Bill Does

It creates a private civil cause of action for individuals or trade associations engaged in lawful firearms or ammunition commerce who are refused goods or services, or have a relationship terminated, solely because of their firearms business. It gives the Attorney General authority to investigate and pursue civil charges to enforce the act, including injunctive relief and penalties. It defines who is protected, what damages can be recovered (including attorney’s fees and costs), and sets a two-year deadline to file a claim. It becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals or businesses engaged in lawful firearms or ammunition commerce (manufacturers, retailers, etc.) who could face discrimination in providing goods or services or in maintaining business relationships.
• Trade associations in the firearms industry that are protected when they are refused goods/services or face discriminatory treatment due to their firearm-related activities.
• The Attorney General and state courts, which would enforce the act and may seek penalties and relief.

Key Provisions

• Creates new Article 39 (Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination) adding sections 6-5-760 through 6-5-766 to Title 6, Chapter 5.
• Defines 'PERSON' and 'TRADE ASSOCIATION' for purposes of the act, covering individuals, corporations, associations, and certain non-profits involved in firearms commerce.
• Unlawful discriminatory practice: prohibits refusing to provide goods or services or ending/altering a business relationship solely because a person is engaged in lawful firearms or ammunition commerce.
• Private civil action: victims may recover actual/compensatory damages, punitive/treble/exemplary damages, injunctive relief, and related civil relief; prevailing plaintiff entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and court costs; two-year filing limit.
• Attorney General enforcement: AG may file actions to obtain declaratory judgments, enjoin practices, or recover civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation; actions filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit; AG can act on own initiative.

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

Subjects

Civil Procedure