Governor Kay Ivey on Monday signed a sweeping public safety measure targeting gun violence, particularly in Alabama’s urban communities.
SB119, sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) and State Rep. Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa), strengthens firearm possession laws, heightens penalties for shootings into occupied buildings, and expands judicial tools for detaining violent offenders prior to trial. The legislation is a key component of Ivey’s “Safe Alabama” initiative, which has prioritized law enforcement support and violent crime prevention during the 2025 legislative session.
SB119 received broad bipartisan support and was championed by the Alabama Big 10 Mayors, a coalition of mayors from the state’s ten largest cities.
“We are grateful to the Legislature and Governor Ivey for their continued commitment to the safety of our communities,” the Big 10 Mayors said in a statement Tuesday. “These changes strengthen our laws to help law enforcement and the courts better protect our residents from repeat violent offenders.”
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The bill makes it a Class C felony for someone to possess a firearm if they have been convicted of any felony offense within the past five years or three felony offenses at any time. It also prohibits firearm possession for individuals out on bail awaiting trial for certain violent or serious offenses. Additional provisions make it easier to sanction or revoke probation and parole when a firearm is involved.
It also expands Aniah’s Law to include “shooting into an occupied dwelling and solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit murder.” These expanded pretrial detention provisions will take effect upon ratification of the constitutional amendment proposed by SB118. All other provisions in the bill become effective October 1, 2025.
“Across Alabama, we have seen how Aniah’s Law is keeping violent criminals off the streets, and by increasing penalties for firing into buildings, our law enforcement officials are able to better crack down on this senseless and dangerous act,” the mayors said.
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During remarks to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, Ivey announced the bill’s signing. “I am also proud to announce to you first that this morning, I signed into law another one of our Safe Alabama public safety bills – Senate Bill 119 – which will help get more bad guys off our streets to ensure safety in our communities,” she said.
“We have a few more working their way through the process, and I am confident those will be heading my way soon.”
Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].
