HB223 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tommy Hanes

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Firearms, Second Amendment Preservation Act, right to keep and bear arms, provided

Summary

HB 223 would create the Second Amendment Preservation Act to block federal gun laws in Alabama and protect the right to own and carry firearms.

What This Bill Does

It would declare that federal acts or orders that infringe on the Second Amendment are invalid in Alabama, listing examples like the Gun Control Act of 1934 and 1968, and related registration or confiscation measures. It would require Alabama courts and law enforcement to protect this right and bar Alabama public officers from enforcing these federal infringements. It would also allow Alabama residents to sue for damages if enforcement of federal infringements occurs, and make federal agents who enforce them subject to a Class A misdemeanor.

Who It Affects

• Federal government agencies and agents would be prohibited from enforcing federal gun regulations in Alabama and could face penalties if they do.
• Alabama residents and gun owners would be protected by the act and could sue for damages if federal enforcement attempts occur; Alabama public officers would be barred from enforcing federal infringements.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Federal acts that infringe on the Second Amendment are invalid in Alabama, with examples such as the Gun Control Act of 1934 and 1968, and measures like registration or confiscation that could chill gun ownership.
• Provision 2: Enforcement and remedies—Alabama officials cannot enforce federal infringements; federal agents enforcing them could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor; Alabama citizens can seek declaratory judgments and damages if enforcement is attempted.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Firearms