HB72 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Firearms, to prohibit possession and transfer of assault weapons under certain circumstances

Summary

HB72 would prohibit the sale, transfer, and possession of assault weapons by anyone under 18 and establish penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

The bill makes it illegal to sell or transfer an assault weapon to a person under 18 and makes it illegal for any person under 18 to possess an assault weapon. It defines what counts as an assault weapon for the purposes of the law and sets penalties: sale or transfer to a minor would be a Class B felony, and possession by a minor would be a Class C felony. It also notes the bill becomes effective October 1, 2024 and clarifies its relationship to existing laws and local funding requirements.

Who It Affects

• People under 18: would be prohibited from possessing assault weapons.
• Sellers/transferors of assault weapons: could face Class B felony if they sell or transfer to someone under 18.
• Gun retailers or individuals who sell to minors: subject to penalties under the bill.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits sale or transfer of an assault weapon to a person under 18.
• Prohibits possession of an assault weapon by a person under 18.
• Classifies sale or transfer to a minor as a Class B felony and underage possession as a Class C felony.
• Defines assault weapons and related terms for the bill, including types of weapons and features, capacity, and accessories.
• Provides that penalties are in addition to existing penalties and that the act supplements existing law.
• Effective date of October 1, 2024.
• Exempts the bill from local funding approval requirements under Section 111.05 because it creates a new crime or amends an existing one.

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