HB79 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim WadsworthRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Judges, to authorize a judge of probate, district judge, or circuit judge to carry a pistol on court property

Summary

The bill lets certain Alabama judges carry pistols during official duties and provides immunity from most liability for how they use the pistol.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes probate, district, and circuit judges to carry a pistol openly or concealed in a courtroom, courthouse, on courthouse property, and within their office while performing duties. It also provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for acts involving the pistol, unless the judge acts in a wanton, willful, or intentional way, and it preserves self-defense rights under existing law. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and approval, and it overrides conflicting laws to allow this carrying.

Who It Affects

• Judges of probate, district judges, and circuit judges in Alabama who perform duties and may carry a pistol in court settings
• People who might sue judges for actions involving pistol use would face immunity protections unless the judge's conduct is wanton, willful, or intentional; the public safety/security dynamic for court properties may also be affected

Key Provisions

• Authorizes probate, district, and circuit judges to carry a pistol open or concealed in a courtroom, courthouse, on courthouse property, and within the judge's office while performing duties
• Judges carrying a pistol receive immunity from civil or criminal liability for acts involving the pistol, except in cases of wanton, willful, or intentional conduct; self-defense claims remain possible under existing law
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage/approval; overrides conflicting laws to the extent described

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