HB157 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tommy Hanes

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Mike HolmesArnold MooneyPhillip PettusAndrew SorrellRitchie Whorton

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

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

Summary

HB157 would establish the Second Amendment Preservation Act to shield Alabama residents' right to keep and bear arms from federal gun laws.

What This Bill Does

It would declare federal acts, laws, orders, rules, and regulations that infringe the right to keep and bear arms invalid in Alabama and not recognized by the state. It would bar Alabama public officers from enforcing those infringements and would make it a Class A misdemeanor for federal officials to enforce them in Alabama. It would give Alabama residents a private right of action to seek declaratory judgments and damages against anyone attempting to enforce such infringements, and notes a local-funding exemption under Amendment 621 because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who own or want to own firearms, because their rights would be protected and they could pursue enforcement challenges.
• Federal government agencies and officials attempting to enforce federal gun laws in Alabama, who would be barred from enforcement and could face penalties under the act.

Key Provisions

• Declares all federal acts, laws, orders, rules, and regulations that infringe on the right to keep and bear arms invalid in Alabama and not recognized by the state; prohibits Alabama public officers from enforcing them.
• Gives Alabama residents a private right of action to seek declaratory judgments and damages against enforcement attempts, and creates a penalty framework (including potential Class A misdemeanor for federal enforcement) while noting a local-funding exemption by creating a new crime.

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