MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A proposed bill carrying concealed weapons has raised concerns for parents in Alabama.
Republican State House representative Andrew Sorrell (Muscle Shoals) presented 'HB44' on the first day of the legislative session last week.
Sorrell pre-filed the bill in December of 2021.
This bill would 'repeal certain restrictions on the carrying or possession of a firearm on certain property or in a motor vehicle by persons with or without a concealed pistol permit. This bill would revise certain restrictions on the carrying or possession of firearms at certain locations'.
The bill also would 'eliminate the need for a person to obtain a concealed carry permit in order to carry a pistol. This bill would also make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.'
Some leaders say it would be a danger to the public, specifically at school-oriented events.
“I myself, and my organizations Moms Demand Action support the 2nd Amendment, but the Supreme Court has said that as with all rights, the 2nd Amendment is not absolute.
"We can pass laws to restrict who can carry a gun and who can who can own a gun in what places they can carry. I’m a retired school nurse, and I can tell you that the fear of school shooting is a tremendously traumatizing fear for millions of school-aged kids, and a bill like this would just make it worse,” said Alabama Chapter, Moms Demand Action Co-Lead, Susan Kirkpatrick.
The bill is now pending before a committee. The state legislative session will continue on January 18.