SB300 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Explosives, manufacturing defined, crimes of unlawful manufacture of a destructive device or bacteriological or biological weapon in first and second degrees established, Fire Marshal to establish qualifications for a permit to lawfully manufacture, Secs. 13A-10-193.1, 13A-10-193.2 added; Sec. 13A-10-190 am'd.

Summary

SB300 creates new crimes and a permit system to regulate the unlawful and lawful manufacture of destructive devices and biological weapons, and updates related definitions.

What This Bill Does

It establishes two new crimes: unlawful manufacture of a destructive device or bacteriological/biological weapon in the second degree (Class B felony) and in the first degree (Class A felony) under certain conditions. Manufacturing is defined as mixing two-part binary components, and penalties apply to those who manufacture, possess precursors with intent, or assemble components to create such devices. The State Fire Marshal would set up qualifications and procedures for a permit to lawfully manufacture these devices, including application rules, fees, and permit duration, and the act updates weapon-related definitions. The bill also notes local-funding implications under Amendment 621 and states the act is not subject to those voting requirements because it defines or amends a crime, with an effective date several months after passage.

Who It Affects

• Individuals or groups who manufacture, possess precursor substances, or assemble components with intent to create a destructive device or biological weapon would face new felony penalties (Class A or B).
• The State Fire Marshal and related state agencies would oversee the permit system, establish qualifications, process applications, collect fees, and issue or deny permits for lawful manufacture.

Key Provisions

• Adds sections 13A-10-193.1 and 13A-10-193.2 to create unlawful manufacture in the second degree (Class B felony) and first degree (Class A felony) for destructive devices or bacteriological/biological weapons, with specific conditions including manufacturing, possessing precursors with intent, combining components, or manufacturing explosives to produce such weapons.
• Defines Manufacturing as the process of combining two or more components to produce a destructive device, incendiary device, over-pressure device, detonator, poison gas, or bacteriological/biological weapon (as detailed in 13A-10-190).
• Authorizes the State Fire Marshal to establish qualifications and procedures for issuing permits to lawfully manufacture a destructive device or bacteriological/biological weapon, including application forms, required qualifications, and fees; permits must be investigated within 30 days and expire after one year unless renewed.
• Updates and clarifies definitions related to destructive devices, bacteriological/biological weapons, poison gas, and other weapons to support the new offenses.
• Notwithstanding Amendment 621, the act is considered to create or amend a crime and is exempt from local funding approval requirements; the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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

Explosives