HB337 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shane StringerRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Chip BrownBrett EasterbrookTracy EstesTommy HanesGil IsbellJamie KielWes KitchensCraig LipscombRhett MarquesCharlotte MeadowsEd OliverChris PringleRex ReynoldsProncey RobertsonGinny ShaverHarry ShiverJeff Sorrells

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Firearms, Alabama Firearms Protection Act, prohibitions on enforcement of certain federal firearm laws, provided

Summary

HB337 would bar Alabama state and local governments from enforcing or funding federal gun laws or orders that take effect after January 1, 2021, and would create penalties and a complaint/enforcement mechanism for violations.

What This Bill Does

Prohibits the state, its agencies, and political subdivisions from participating in the enforcement of any federal act, law, order, rule, or regulation relating to firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories that does not exist under Alabama law and becomes effective after January 1, 2021. Bars the use of public funds or state property to implement such federal actions and prohibits public officials acting in their official capacity from enforcing them. Allows Alabama residents to file complaints with the Attorney General about violations; the AG may seek court relief to compel compliance and may recover related expenses if a subdivision is found in violation; a court finding of violation can lead to loss of certain state funding or revenue allocations for the subdivision.

Who It Affects

• State agencies and political subdivisions of Alabama, which would be barred from enforcing post-2021 federal gun laws and could face penalties and loss of state funding if found to violate the act.
• Alabama residents and taxpayers, who can file complaints with the Attorney General and may be involved indirectly through the enforcement process and potential impact on local funding.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Firearms Protection Act to prohibit enforcement of federal laws, orders, or regulations related to firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition that do not exist under Alabama law and become effective after January 1, 2021.
• Defines 'firearm accessory' to include items mounted onto a firearm (e.g., telescopic sights, suppressors, magazines, stocks, grips, etc.).
• Public funds, state property, and official actions may not be used to implement or enforce such federal regulations; officials are prohibited from enforcing them in their official capacity.
• Provides a complaint mechanism where residents can report violations to the Attorney General; the AG can ask a court to compel compliance and may obtain reimbursement for its costs if the subdivision is found in violation.
• If a subdivision is found to have violated the act, it may lose eligibility for certain state grants, aid, or revenue allocations (explicitly listing several categories of state funds).
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and approval by the Governor.

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