SB383 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

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

Summary

SB 383 would ban possession, sale, or transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Alabama, creating criminal penalties and definitions for these terms.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits possessing, selling, or transferring assault weapons or large-capacity magazines within the state and defines what counts as an assault weapon and a large-capacity magazine. It creates two crimes: unlawful sale or transfer of an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine (Class B felony) and unlawful possession of an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine (Class C felony). The bill includes exemptions for law enforcement, the Department of Corrections, and military use, and allows relinquishment of such weapons or magazines to law enforcement. It states penalties are on top of existing penalties and specifies an effective date after the bill becomes law; it also notes the bill is exempt from certain local-funding rules because it defines a new crime.

Who It Affects

• General public in Alabama: individuals who possess, sell, or transfer assault weapons or large-capacity magazines would face criminal penalties under the new law.
• Law enforcement, the Department of Corrections, and military or naval forces (state or federal): exempt from penalties and allowed to possess or use such weapons or magazines for official duties.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits possession, sale, or transfer of an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine within the state.
• Defines assault weapon and large-capacity magazine with detailed criteria and lists of specific firearms and features.
• Creates unlawful sale or transfer of an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine as a Class B felony; unlawful possession as a Class C felony.
• Provides exemptions for sale to and possession by law enforcement agencies, the Department of Corrections, and military use; allows relinquishment to law enforcement.
• Penalties are additive to existing penalties; the act becomes law after a set effective date; and it is stated to be exempt from Amendment 621 local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime.

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