HB98 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David StandridgeRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Firearms, pistol permits, retired military, lifetime permit provided at no cost, power of sheriff to revoke

Summary

HB98 would let certain retired military personnel get a pistol permit for free and make that permit permanent unless revoked for cause by the county sheriff.

What This Bill Does

Eligible nondisability retirees from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard can obtain a pistol permit at no cost after proving retirement. The sheriff would issue the permit permanently, so it does not need renewal unless the sheriff revokes it for cause. If the retiree is suspected or charged with a crime, the sheriff may revoke the permit, require return of the permit within 30 days, and must provide written notice with reasons; carrying a weapon after revocation could be illegal. The permit requires proof of retirement (Veteran Identification Card or DD-214) and takes effect according to the act’s timing after the Governor’s approval.

Who It Affects

• Nondisability military veterans (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard) who are Alabama residents and can prove retirement; they would receive a pistol permit at no cost that remains permanent unless revoked for cause.
• County sheriffs in Alabama; they would issue permanent pistol permits to eligible veterans and have authority to revoke permits for cause with required notices.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'retired military veteran' as nondisability retirees from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard.
• Allows eligible retirees to obtain a pistol permit at no charge upon proof of retirement (Veteran Identification Card or DD-214) and requires issuance of a permanent permit by the county sheriff where the person lives.
• The issued pistol permit is permanent unless revoked for cause by the sheriff.
• Revocation process: sheriff may revoke for suspected or charged crimes, must provide written notice by registered mail with reasons, require return within 30 days, and carrying after revocation could be illegal.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

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