MONTGOMERY, Ala. — UPDATE:
The Senate passed a changed version of a permitless carry bill approved by the House last week, so the House will now have to concur with the changed version.
PREVIOUS STORY:
Opposition to a proposed bill in Alabama has gained traction.
It’s HB44, which would allow a person to carry a concealed weapon, but without a permit.
On Tuesday the Alabama Sheriff’s Association, law enforcement, and other organizations were at the Alabama State House to voice their concerns about safety if this bill goes through.
“If these laws were to pass, and allow for permitless carry in the state of Alabama, it would make just a little bit tougher, for us to do our jobs every day,” said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.
The groups also said this proposed legislation will allow "dangerous criminals to avoid background checks or other security checks and carry weapons into K-12 school athletic events."
THE QUESTION:
Would this bill allow anyone to carry a pistol?
THE SOURCES:
THE ANSWER:
Yes, anyone could carry a gun without a permit if this bill is passed. The bill would eliminate the requirement for a person to obtain a concealed carry permit in order to carry a pistol on certain property or in a motor vehicle. There are, of course, still federal restrictions on gun ownership.
WHAT WE FOUND:
Here’s what we know about this proposed bill:
Republican State House representative Andrew Sorrell (Muscle Shoals) presented 'HB44' on the first day of the legislative session last week.
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."
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