During an interview on this week’s broadcast of Alabama Public Television’s “Capitol Journal,” State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) confirmed he was revamping an effort to end a requirement for citizens to have a permit to conceal carry in the state of Alabama.
Allen, who appeared alongside his son, recently elected State Rep. Wes Allen (R-Troy), argued such requirements interfered with the Second Amendment, which was a guarantee of the right to bear arms.
The elder Allen had attempted to pass his bill in the Alabama legislature in recent years. However, despite moving through the State Senate, it stalled out in the House.
“This is the same piece of legislation that will give individuals and citizens the right to be able to carry their weapon without a permit,” Allen explained to host Don Dailey. “But at the same time, we’re not doing away with the permit. It will give you the citizens the opportunity to go to the courthouse or sheriff’s department and purchase that permit because you may travel with your weapon. But it’s concealed carry if they’re important. Of course, this state already has open carry, already. But it’s one that’s very important because of the right that we have as citizens that’s given to us through the Second Amendment. It’s something that we need to protect and take care of, and don’t do anything to water that Second Amendment down, or to try to close it down to put in such a way where you won’t even be able to carry a weapon. It’s very important. That bill is coming back, same language.”
When pressed on the potential for pushback, Allen emphasized permits would still be available but argued a fee should not be charged for a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
“The problem with the current situation is the fact that the Second Amendment says we have the right to carry,” Allen said. “I mean, today in this state we have open carry. Our piece of legislation does not say anything about doing away with permits at all. In fact, this piece of legislation is very similar to what we have and will be introducing. The sale of permits has went up. It’s not the good guys that’s creating the problem. The good guys are the ones that respect and protect the rule of law, and respect the Second Amendment. That’s in essence what the bill is all about.”
“It’s not right for you to pay a fee for something that’s already been given to you,” he added.
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and is the editor of Breitbart TV.
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