Senate Bill 267 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Firearms; permit to carry pistol, criminal penalties, exempt persons, established; carrying pistol on employer's property revised; nonsubstantive conforming changes to code

Summary

SB267 would require a carry permit to transport or carry a pistol in a vehicle or on a person in Alabama, starting January 1, 2027, and would overhaul permits, penalties, and employer rules related to handgun carrying.

What This Bill Does

Starting January 1, 2027, a person may not carry a pistol in a vehicle or on their person unless they have a valid carry permit issued under the new rules or recognized under existing rules, with several exceptions. Violations would be a Class A misdemeanor, and previously issued concealed carry permits would remain valid for purposes of this new requirement. The bill also creates a state Firearms Prohibited Person database, expands background checks, revises permit issuance processes, changes fee structures, and allows employers to regulate carrying on their property while preserving certain employee rights.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Alabama residents who carry pistols in a vehicle or on their person would need to obtain a carry permit, undergo background checks, and follow the new rules and exceptions (e.g., home or fixed place of business, or unloaded and secured in a vehicle under certain conditions).
• Group 2: Employers and their employees, as the bill lets employers restrict or regulate carrying on employer property, may affect workplace policies and potential discipline, while employees who comply with the rules have protections against adverse action solely for carrying.

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 13A-11-74.2 to require a valid carry permit to carry a pistol in a vehicle or on the person starting January 1, 2027, with specified exceptions and a Class A misdemeanor for violations.
• Revises existing permit provisions (13A-11-74, 13A-11-75, 13A-11-85, 13A-11-90) to keep previously issued concealed carry permits valid for the new permit framework and to modify issuance, recognition, and restrictions.
• Establishes a state Firearms Prohibited Person database linked to law enforcement systems; includes confidentiality rules and access restrictions; requires reporting of disqualifying convictions or orders.
• Imposes background checks for permit applicants (NICS, state databases, and other criminal history checks), plus immigration checks for noncitizens, with a 30-day decision window for sheriffs and potential additional information requests.
• Sets permit fee structure: $25 for a 1-year permit or $125 for a 5-year permit if no local fee; lifetime permit is $300 (with reductions for certain scenarios and age-based discounts); 80% of lifetime permit fees go to the county sheriff and 20% to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency; ongoing distribution and reporting requirements.
• Authorizes employers to regulate or restrict carrying on their property and to take limited employment actions if an employee is not in compliance, while providing protections if the employee is in compliance; allows law enforcement reporting of suspected violations.
• Repeals Section 13A-11-74.1 (carrying a pistol without a permit) and makes conforming changes to related sections; the act becomes effective October 1, 2026, with the permit carrying rules applying thereafter.

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