HB472 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mary MooreRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Assault weapons, prohibit possession, sale or transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition

Summary

HB 472 would ban possession, sale, or transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Alabama, create a system of possession and transfer certificates, and impose penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

The bill defines assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, and prohibits owning or moving them within the state without a certificate. It creates procedures to apply for a certificate of possession and a certificate of transfer, includes background checks and a state database, and sets criminal penalties for violations. It includes exemptions for law enforcement, the military, certain bequests and estates, and pre-existing possession, and lays out rules for firearm dealers and transportation.

Who It Affects

• Private individuals who currently own or want to own assault weapons or large-capacity magazines; they would need to obtain a certificate of possession and may face penalties for unlawful possession or transfer.
• Licensed gun dealers and firearms businesses; they would handle possession/transfer certificates, maintain a database, verify transactions, and follow transport and display rules.

Key Provisions

• Definition of assault weapon and large-capacity magazine, including detailed lists of specific firearms and features.
• Prohibition on possession, sale, or transfer within Alabama unless a certificate of possession or transfer is issued.
• Certificate of possession process: required application, background check, thumbprint, database entry, possible $50 fee, and restrictions on where an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine can be possessed.
• Certificate of transfer process: when selling to a licensed gun dealer, a transfer certificate must be issued and sent to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency; dealers must verify ID and maintain a transfer certificate database.
• Penalties: unlawful sale/transfer is a Class B felony (Class A if to a person under 18); unlawful possession is a Class C felony; various exemptions apply.
• Exemptions: sales to law enforcement, the Department of Corrections, or military; estates or bequests; certain pre-existing possession rules and interstate transfers.
• Dealer and transport rules: restrictions on carrying loaded weapons openly, allowed display at gun shows, and permissible transfers to gunsmiths; transport must be secure.
• Effective date: October 1, 2018; the act is noted as exempt from certain constitutional requirements regarding local funding expenditures.

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

Subjects

Assault Weapons