HB595 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Proncey Robertson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Firearms, Lifetime Carry Permit

Summary

HB 595 would create a statewide, lifetime Lifetime Carry Permit to carry a pistol in Alabama, with a standardized application process, driver license endorsement options, and ongoing review and revocation procedures.

What This Bill Does

The bill establishes a Lifetime Carry Permit system run by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency and linked to the driver license system, allowing endorsements on a driver's license or a separate permit card. It sets eligibility requirements, including background checks, citizenship rules, and potential denial or revocation processes. It also creates ongoing four-year reviews, revocation hearings, and data protections, with funding and local-government expenditure considerations noted.

Who It Affects

• Residents of Alabama who want to carry a pistol and may apply for a Lifetime Carry Permit (21+ generally, 18+ for service members or veterans); they could have an endorsement on their driver license/ID or receive a separate card, pay a $150 fee, undergo background checks, and face possible denial or revocation.
• Law enforcement and county sheriffs, and the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, who administer and maintain the Lifetime Carry Permit system, process applications, issue endorsements, handle revocation procedures, and enforce related penalties and notices.

Key Provisions

• Creates a statewide Lifetime Carry Permit system, administered by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency and linked to the driver license records so endorsements are viewable by law enforcement.
• Allows endorsements on a driver license or nondriver ID, or a separate Lifetime Carry Permit card, with a $150 processing fee and a favorable background check required for issuance.
• Sets eligibility and review standards, including a background check (NICS), citizenship/immigration inquiries for noncitizens, and possible denial based on state/federal law or safety concerns; revocation and prohibited-status procedures if disqualifying factors arise.
• Implements a revocation framework: notices, revocation hearings, and removal of the endorsement from the state system; prohibits printing the prohibited-status on the driver license/ID, and imposes court costs for revocation hearings.
• Requires a four-year review cycle by the agency to verify continued eligibility or need for revocation based on crimes or unsafe behavior; allows immediate revocation actions if disqualifying conditions are found.
• Allocates funds from permit fees: 60% to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency for administration and 40% to the county sheriff for administration and other law enforcement purposes.
• Maintains confidentiality of personal applicant data in the state system, while allowing public disclosure of other non-identifying data; restricts release of certain information and sets redaction rules and fees for copies.
• States that the bill is exempt from local-fund expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 due to its specific provisions, and sets an effective date of January 20, 2020.

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

Subjects

Pistol Permits