The bill, which looks to remove the permit process for lawful gun owners who wish to carry concealed, now heads to the Alabama Senate for a vote.
Gun rights groups oppose the state’s current permit process and have been championing similar bills in past years.
Representative Shane Stringer (R-Citronelle), author and main sponsor of the bill, told Yellowhammer News, “I’m excited we were able to get it through and get it over with, and letting the Alabama citizens know that we’re listening to them.
You know, this is only going to apply to law-abiding citizens that will give them the ability to protect themselves in their cars or on their persons with their weapons concealed or open.”
Opponents of the bill claim that without the $20 the current permit costs, constitutional carry will effectively defund police departments while making officers less safe on the job.
“I’m not speaking from a brief knowledge of what’s going on,” said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.
“I have been a law enforcement officer for five decades. I’m basing it on my experience, and what I have seen through the years. There are a lot of other law enforcement officers who feel the same way.
This is something that we are disappointed in, but we will continue to fight to do what we can to keep this legislation from coming out.”
When asked about the fact that the Alabama Sherriff’s Association both denounced this bill and claimed that it would endanger the public, Rep. Stringer responded that individuals who were determined to commit crime would do so regardless of obtaining a permit.
“The fact of the matter is a $20 piece of plastic is not going to stop an evil hearted person from hurting one of our law enforcement officers or doing something to them.
You know, criminals are criminals. This is going to put the law abiding citizens on an equal playing field.”
With Republicans holding an overwhelming advantage in the Alabama Senate, the bill looks to be heading to the desk of Governor Kay Ivey before the end of the legislative session.
