SB394 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Harri Anne Smith

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Firearms, subject any person who carries or possesses a weapon on public school premises to criminal penalties, Sec. 13A-11-61.4 added

Summary

SB 394 would ban carrying or possessing a firearm on public school premises in Alabama (including school buses) and make violations a Class A misdemeanor.

What This Bill Does

Creates a new criminal ban (Section 13A-11-61.4) that prohibits possession or carrying a firearm on public school premises, regardless of intent. Authorized personnel such as local boards of education officials and law enforcement, and others allowed by statute, are exempt from the ban. Public schools include K-12 and school buses used for K-12. Violations would be classified as Class A misdemeanors.

Who It Affects

• Public school students and visitors: would be prohibited from carrying firearms on school grounds or buses, and could face a Class A misdemeanor for violations.
• Authorized school personnel (local boards of education officials, law enforcement, and others authorized under existing law): are exempt from the ban and may carry firearms in those settings if authorized.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 13A-11-61.4 to prohibit possession or carrying a firearm on public school premises, including K-12 schools and school buses.
• Exempts authorized personnel (local boards of education, law enforcement, and others authorized under Section 13A-11-74) from the prohibition.
• Violations are Class A misdemeanors.
• Effective immediately after passage and governor's approval; notes that although it would require new local funds, the bill is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 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

Firearms