Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced two bills sponsored by State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) aimed at further strengthening Second Amendment protections in the state of Alabama.
According to the Senate GOP Caucus, Allen’s Senate Bill 1 would repeal certain restrictions on citizens’ rights to possess a firearm on certain property or in a vehicle. The law would apply to all citizens regardless of their possession of a concealed carry permit. Most widely known as “constitutional carry,” the effort has long been championed by pro-Second Amendment advocates.
Senate Bill 2, or the “Second Amendment Preservation Act,” would prohibit state governmental agencies and political subdivisions from enforcing federally-enacted restrictions relating to firearms, firearm accessories or ammunition. The bill was previously passed by the Senate during the 2021 regular legislative session.
In a statement commending the advancement of his gun rights bills, Allen pledged to continue his efforts to further enshrine Second Amendment protections into state law.
“The Second Amendment affords protection to an American individual’s right to possess a firearm and to use that firearm for traditionally lawful purposes,” advised Allen. “As an elected official who swore to uphold the constitutions of this state and country, I will always do everything in my power to preserve the rights of Alabamians, especially those granted by the Second Amendment.”
Allen hailed his fellow Republican colleagues for being supportive of his efforts and stated his intentions to move the bills through the legislative process.
“I am pleased with the efficient progress we’ve made in the Senate to move these two bills along in the legislative process, and I am proud that Senate Republicans are dedicated to working diligently to defend the rights of Alabamians,” he added. “I am eager to work with my colleagues to pass these pro-Second Amendment bills and to implement safeguards that are critical to the protection of our God-given right to bear arms.”
The House Republican Caucus also intends to pass legislation similar to Allen’s as the measures were included in the caucus’ official policy agenda it unveiled last month.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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