SB97 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Firearms; criminally negligent storage, penalty for violation created

Summary

SB97 would criminalize storing a loaded firearm where a minor could access it, with a Class C felony penalty starting October 1, 2024.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits storing a loaded firearm in a location where a minor is likely to gain access. Violating this prohibition would be a Criminally Negligent Storage of a Firearm Class C felony. It defines a 'loaded' firearm as having ammunition in the chamber or magazine (if the magazine is in the firearm) and the firearm being capable of firing; exemptions include firearms stored with a gun lock or carried on the person. The act becomes effective October 1, 2024, and it notes that it is exempt from certain local funding requirements because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Gun owners or people who store firearms: could face a Class C felony if a minor could access a loaded firearm.
• Minors (in households with firearms): at risk of accessing loaded firearms, with the law aiming to reduce that risk.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits storing a loaded firearm where a minor is likely to gain access to it.
• Criminally negligent storage of a firearm is a Class C felony.
• Excludes storage with a gun lock and firearms carried on the person from violation.
• Defines 'loaded' as ammunition in the chamber or magazine, if the firearm is capable of firing.
• Effective date: October 1, 2024.
• The bill is described as exempt from certain local funding requirements because it creates 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

Crimes & Offenses; Firearms