HB34 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tracy EstesRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to crimes and offenses; to amend Section 13A-11-61.1, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide that it is unlawful to discharge a firearm on school property; to provide criminal penalties; to provide for exceptions; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Summary

HB34 makes it illegal to discharge a firearm on school property and establishes felony penalties with limited exceptions, while noting local-funding requirements under Alabama's Constitution.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits shooting or discharging a firearm on school property. If the discharge happens on school property during school hours or school activities, it is a Class B felony; if it occurs at other times, it is a Class C felony. The bill includes exceptions for organized competitions or school-sanctioned events, or certain performances by organized groups on school land, and it defines certain lands as not being school property; it also allows an exemption for individuals under 19 years old. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor’s approval, and the local-funding provision is addressed with a constitutional carve-out due to specific exceptions.

Who It Affects

• Students, teachers, staff, and visitors on or near school property would face felony penalties if they discharge a firearm, with severity depending on timing (Class B during school hours/activities; Class C otherwise).
• Local school districts and other entities that manage school property are affected in terms of enforcement and potential costs, but the bill is exempt from triggering new local funding requirements due to specified constitutional exceptions.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits discharging a firearm on school property and establishes Class B felony penalties for on-property discharges during school hours or activities and Class C felony penalties for discharges in other circumstances.
• Provides exceptions for organized competitions or school-sanctioned events, certain performances by organized groups on school land, includes land-use definitions (some lands are not considered school property), allows a under-19 exemption, and states how this interacts with existing laws and local-funding requirements.

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

Subjects

Crimes and offenses; to further provide for the crime of unlawful discharge of a firearm on school property