SB399 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

William “Bill” M. BeasleyLinda Coleman-MadisonKirk HatcherRodger Smitherman

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Firearms, background checks, requirements provided on certain transfers

Summary

SB399 would require background checks for firearm transfers through licensed dealers and block direct transfers by unlicensed individuals, with penalties and several exemptions.

What This Bill Does

Licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, and dealers would have to perform a national background check before transferring a firearm, and verify the transferee's identity with a photo ID, with certain permit-based transfers exempt. Unlicensed individuals could not directly transfer a firearm to another unlicensed person; transfers must go through a licensed entity to satisfy background-check requirements. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for violations and includes multiple exemptions for permitted transfers, as well as provisions about local-funding rules and the bill's effective date.

Who It Affects

• Licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, and dealers: must conduct background checks before transfers and verify transferee identity; face criminal penalties if they fail to comply.
• Unlicensed individuals who transfer or receive firearms: prohibited from direct transfers to other unlicensed persons; transfers must go through a licensed entity unless an exemption applies.

Key Provisions

• Licensed importers, manufacturers, or dealers must contact the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and verify the transferee's identity with a photo ID before completing a transfer, with certain permit-based transfers exempt from this requirement.
• A licensee transfer to a non-licensee is exempt if the transferee holds a permit allowing possession or acquisition, issued within the previous five years and contingent on a background check.
• If a licensee knowingly transfers a firearm and a background check would have shown a violation, the licensee commits a Class A misdemeanor.
• Non-licensed individuals may not transfer a firearm to another non-licensed person unless a licensed entity has first taken possession of the firearm for compliance with the background-check requirements; there are several enumerated exemptions (e.g., law enforcement, certain family transfers, estate transfers, temporary transfers for imminent harm or for hunting/shooting activities).
• Section 2 notes the bill creates a new crime or amends an existing crime, which places it outside certain local-funding requirements, and Section 3 sets the effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and 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