HB44 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew SorrellAuditor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Firearms, concealed pistols, concealed carry permit, criminal code, offenses against public order, constitutional carry, pistol permits, Secs. 9-11-304, 13A-11-52, 13A-11-73, 13A-11-74 repealed; Secs. 13A-11-7, 13A-11-50, 13A-11-55, 13A-11-61.2, 13A-11-62, 13A-11-71, 13A-11-85, 13A-11-90 am'd.

Summary

HB44 would remove the general concealed carry permit requirement, broaden where firearms can be carried, and update the criminal code to reflect a constitutional carry approach with technical revisions.

What This Bill Does

It repeals restrictions that limit carrying a firearm on certain property or in a motor vehicle by people with or without a concealed pistol permit and revises location-based restrictions. It eliminates the need to obtain a concealed carry permit to carry a pistol, while retaining a revised permit framework that includes background checks and the possibility of lifetime permits. It makes nonsubstantive edits to update code language and repeals several restrictions on carrying at specific places (such as wildlife areas and some private properties). It also clarifies local funding implications under Amendment 621 and preserves certain employer–employee rules around firearms in workplaces, including storage in private vehicles, while maintaining safety and enforcement provisions.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who carry or may carry firearms, as they would have more freedom to carry without a general permit and under revised location rules.
• Employers and employees, as workplace firearm restrictions and storage rules (including in private vehicles) would be adjusted and governed by new provisions.

Key Provisions

• Repeals restrictions on carrying or possessing a firearm on wildlife management areas and certain other properties by persons with or without a concealed pistol permit (repeals 9-11-304, 13A-11-52, 13A-11-73, 13A-11-74).
• Deletes or amends language about carrying a visible pistol and a concealed pistol in various sections (13A-11-7, 13A-11-50, 13A-11-55, 13A-11-61.2, 13A-11-62, 13A-11-71, 13A-11-85, 13A-11-90) and revises location restrictions for carrying firearms.
• Eliminates the general requirement to have a concealed carry permit to carry a pistol, while retaining a revised permit framework with background checks, and potential lifetime permits; clarifies reciprocity and nonresident permit provisions (Sections 13A-11-75 and 13A-11-85).
• Maintains employer ability to restrict carrying on certain property but allows storage of lawfully possessed firearms in an employee's private vehicle under specified conditions; adds enforcement and confidentiality provisions related to permits and firearm databases.
• Incorporates immigration background checks for noncitizen applicants and updates the state firearms prohibited person database; adds revocation and appeal processes for permits and database entries; sets effective date after governor approval.
• Section 6 states the bill is exempt from local government voting requirements under Amendment 621 due to changes in crime definitions, and the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after approval.

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

Subjects

Criminal Code