HB326 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

John W. Rogers

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Firearms, storage requirements, prohibit access of loaded firearms to a minor child, penalties

Summary

HB326 would require secure storage of loaded firearms to prevent minor access and impose criminal penalties if improper storage leads to injury or death.

What This Bill Does

It defines what a loaded firearm is and requires people who know a minor will be on the premises to store the firearm in a securely locked box or with a trigger lock. The storage rule does not apply when the firearm is carried on a person or kept close to the person. If someone fails to store a loaded firearm and a minor gains access and injures or kills someone, that person could face a Class C felony; simply violating the storage rule is a Class B misdemeanor. There is an exception if the minor's access happened due to unlawful entry. The bill would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Parents, guardians, and other adults who own or control firearms and may have a minor in the home or on premises; they would be required to securely store loaded firearms to avoid penalties.
• Minor children living in or around premises with firearms; the change aims to limit their access to loaded firearms, with specified exceptions for unlawful entry.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'loaded firearm' as any pistol, rifle, shotgun, or other firearm with cartridges or shells in the chamber or magazine.
• Requires storage of a loaded firearm in a securely locked box, in a secure location, or with a trigger lock when a minor will have access to the premises; exception for carrying the firearm on one's person or near the person.
• Violated storage is a Class B misdemeanor; if improper storage leads to a minor gaining access and injuring or killing someone, it becomes a Class C felony.
• Exception to the penalty exists if the minor's access results from unlawful entry by any person.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.
• The bill includes a constitutional note: it would be considered to create a new crime, which affects local-funding requirements, but it is exempt from certain local-vote rules because it defines a new crime.

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