SB157 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

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

Summary

SB157 would shield Alabama from federal gun laws by prohibiting state and local enforcement of such laws, penalizing officials who violate, and allowing intrastate gun manufacturing exemptions.

What This Bill Does

It bans the state and its agencies and subdivisions from enforcing any federal gun law, order, or regulation and imposes criminal penalties on officials who knowingly violate this prohibition. It also blocks the use of state funds, property, or personnel to implement federal gun orders or laws that become effective after January 1, 2021. It creates an intrastate manufacturing exemption for firearms, ammunition, and accessories made entirely in Alabama and kept in Alabama, and requires a Made in Alabama stamp on certain parts to qualify. It provides a process for residents to report violations to the Attorney General, who can seek court relief and may cause noncompliant subdivisions to lose state grant funds. It declares that some federal gun restrictions are void in Alabama and lays out definitions and exemptions, with the law taking effect three months after governor approval and remaining severable if parts are invalid.

Who It Affects

• State and local government agencies, officials, and subdivisions would be prohibited from enforcing federal gun laws and could face penalties or loss of state grant funds for noncompliance.
• Alabama residents and gun owners, especially those who manufacture firearms in-state, would benefit from reduced federal regulation of intrastate firearms and have a mechanism to challenge enforcement; penalties in the act apply to officials who violate the provisions.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits Alabama state agencies and political subdivisions from enforcing federal acts, laws, orders, rules, or regulations related to firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories.
• Establishes criminal penalties for officials who knowingly violate the prohibition: first violation is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of $500 to $5,000; second or subsequent violations are Class B misdemeanors with a fine of $1,000 to $7,000.
• Blocks use of state funds, state property, and state officials to implement federal executive orders or acts that regulate firearms, ammunition, or accessories and become effective after January 1, 2021; such actions are void in Alabama.
• Provides intrastate manufacturing exemption: firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories manufactured entirely in Alabama and kept in Alabama are not subject to federal regulation under interstate commerce authority, and a Made in Alabama stamp on a central part may certify exemption.
• Defines key terms (firearm accessory, manufactured in this state, generic and insignificant parts) and lists exemptions for certain weapons and components not covered by the act.
• Authorizes the Attorney General to defend residents prosecuted by the federal government for in-state manufactured firearms and to pursue court relief through complaints filed by residents against noncompliant subdivisions; allows denial of state grant funds to noncompliant subdivisions.
• Declares that certain federal acts infringing on the right to keep and bear arms are void in Alabama and outlines that law abiding residents include those not precluded from possessing a firearm.
• Provides severability and states the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Firearms