HB20 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Firearms, penalty for failure to inform when in possession and questioned

Summary

HB20 would require a person carrying a concealed pistol or firearm to immediately inform a law enforcement officer when asked, and make failing to inform a Class A misdemeanor, with a 2024 effective date.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a requirement that anyone who knowingly carries a concealed pistol or firearm must tell a responding officer immediately that they are in possession of the weapon. If they fail to inform, it would be a Class A misdemeanor. It also states the bill creates or amends a crime and is exempt from local-funding approval requirements under Section 111.05, with an effective date of October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who knowingly possess a concealed pistol or firearm and are asked by a law enforcement officer must immediately inform the officer; failure to do so could result in a Class A misdemeanor.
• Law enforcement officers who enforce the informing requirement and issue the misdemeanor when appropriate.
• Local government entities, as the bill is exempt from the Section 111.05 local-funds approval process because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime, with the act becoming effective Oct. 1, 2024.

Key Provisions

• Section 13A-11-95(a): Any person who knowingly possesses a concealed pistol or firearm and is asked by a law enforcement officer whether they are armed shall immediately inform the officer that they are in possession of a pistol or firearm; violation is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Section 2: The bill is intended to be exempt from local-funds approval requirements under Section 111.05 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime, and Section 3 states the act becomes effective on October 1, 2024.

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 & Offenses; Firearms