Senate Bill 156 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Firearms, Gun Violence, Protective Order Act, procedure for issuance of gun violence protective order, established

Summary

Alabama would create the Gun Violence Protective Order Act to allow courts to issue temporary or one-year orders restricting firearm access for people deemed an immediate danger, with mandatory surrender of weapons and enforcement provisions.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates two types of orders: ex parte gun violence protective orders (issued without the respondent’s presence) and one-year gun violence protective orders (issued after a hearing). If the court finds an immediate and present danger, it can order the respondent to surrender all firearms and ammunition to local law enforcement. The act provides for renewal or early termination of the one-year order and imposes criminal penalties for violations. It also sets timelines for hearings (typically within 14 days), requires notice and service, and requires reporting to the state ALEA database and integration with background-check systems.

Who It Affects

• Respondents subject to a gun violence protective order (ex parte or one-year): they would be required to surrender all firearms and ammunition, face potential penalties for violations, and may seek renewal or termination of the order through court hearings.
• Petitioners and enforcing agencies (e.g., law enforcement, teachers, and family members who file for orders, and the agencies that serve and enforce them): they can file petitions, obtain orders, provide notice and resources, and are responsible for serving orders and coordinating with ALEA and court processes.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Gun Violence Protective Order Act and defines two orders: ex parte gun violence protective orders and one-year gun violence protective orders.
• Requires surrender of all firearms and ammunition owned, controlled, or possessed by the respondent upon issuance of an ex parte or one-year order; outlines handling, storage, and potential disposal of surrendered firearms.
• Allows renewal or early termination of a one-year order under specified conditions and sets the procedures for obtaining and terminating such orders.
• Sets petitioning requirements, including verified petitions, grounds for relief, notice to respondents and related parties, and hearing timelines (14 days for hearings, same-day decision for ex parte orders when possible).
• Requires background checks, record searches, and potential warrants before issuing orders; requires proper service and documentation to ALEA and public databases; provides for return of firearms after expiration if eligible.
• Imposes penalties for false petitions and for prohibited possession of firearms while subject to an order (Class C misdemeanor; five-year prohibition on firearm ownership if convicted).
• Effective date October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Firearms