HB400 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes AllenSecretary

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Firearms, prohibitions on state enforcement of certain federal firearm laws, provided, const. amend.

Summary

HB400 would add the Alabama Firearm Protection Amendment to bar state and local enforcement of federal firearm laws and to shield Alabama-made firearms kept in Alabama from federal regulation.

What This Bill Does

It would prohibit the state, its agencies, and political subdivisions from enforcing any federal act, law, order, rule, or regulation relating to firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories. It would block public funds and state property from being used to implement or enforce such federal actions, and bar officials from enforcing them. It would treat certain Alabama-made firearms kept in Alabama as not subject to federal regulation under federal interstate commerce power, with a stamping requirement for exemption. It would allow the Attorney General to defend residents against federal prosecutions and establish enforcement mechanisms against subdivisions that violate the amendment, including potential loss of state grants and other funds.

Who It Affects

• State and local government agencies, departments, and officials in Alabama who would be barred from enforcing federal firearms laws and could face funding or policy consequences for violations.
• Alabama residents who manufacture firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories in-state and keep them within Alabama, who could be shielded from federal regulation for intrastate activities (subject to the stamping rule and other limitations).

Key Provisions

• Prohibits the state, its agencies, and political subdivisions from enforcing any federal firearm-related law, order, rule, or regulation.
• Prohibits the use of public funds or state property to implement or enforce federal firearm orders or acts that become effective after January 1, 2021; forbids officials from enforcing them.
• Requires a mechanism for the Attorney General to enforce compliance and to defend residents against federal enforcement related to Alabama-made firearms manufactured and kept in-state; authorizes penalties against noncompliant subdivisions, including loss of state grants and certain revenues.
• Defines terms such as 'firearm accessory' and 'manufactured in this state,' and establishes that firearms manufactured in Alabama and remaining in Alabama are not subject to federal regulation under interstate commerce, with a 'Made in Alabama' stamp requirement for exemption.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments