HB268 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Firearms, Gun Violence Protective Order Act, established

Summary

This bill creates the Gun Violence Protective Order Act to allow courts to issue temporary or one-year orders stopping firearm access for individuals deemed a danger and requiring surrender of firearms.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes ex parte (without notice) and one-year gun violence protective orders if a judge finds an immediate and present danger. When an order is issued, the respondent must surrender all firearms and ammunition to local police, and a hearing within 14 days will decide whether a one-year order will be issued or renewed. The bill also sets renewal/termination procedures, establishes penalties for violations, and requires reporting of orders to state systems and, later, the national background check system.

Who It Affects

• Respondents: individuals who may be deemed to pose a substantial danger and would be barred from owning or possessing firearms and required to surrender any guns or ammo.
• Petitioners: law enforcement officers, teachers, and family members who file for the orders and participate in notices, hearings, and protections.

Key Provisions

• Creates ex parte gun violence protective orders and one-year gun violence protective orders, with requirements to surrender all firearms and ammunition and to hold hearings within 14 days to determine renewal or issuance of a one-year order.
• Requires surrender and ongoing management of firearms, allows for warrants if surrendered firearms are not disclosed or if new firearms are acquired while under an order, provides for storage fees, return procedures, renewal and termination processes, civil penalties for violations, and reporting to ALEA and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

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