by Peyton Perry
Bills recently passed by House or Senate as of April 16.
SB 308: Introduced by Sen. Randy Price (R-13) and passed in both legislative houses. SB 308, if signed by Gov. Ivey, would establish the Alabama Uniform Concealed Carry Permit Act. The act would standardize the ways concealed carry permits are issued by local Sheriff’s offices in the state and would also create a prohibited persons database to be maintained and provided to law enforcement personnel and issuers of permits. The bill would also establish lifetime concealed carry permits to be issued as well.
HB 103: Sponsored by Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-18) and signed into law by Gov. Ivey on April 1. HB 103 will provide that during a state of emergency involving similar instances to COVID-19, bioterrorism or biotoxins, businesses and religious institutions may continue all operations if in compliance with applicable emergency order(s). This means unless an emergency order calls for closures of those institutions, they are not required to close.
SB 126: Sponsored by Sen. J.T. Waggoner (R-16) and passed in both legislative houses and signed by Gov. Ivey April 12. SB 126 would allow delivery of sealed alcoholic beverages from licensed retail establishments to individuals 21 years of age or older.
HB 411: Introduced by Rep. Artis McCampbell (D-71) and passed by the House. Awaiting a vote in the Senate. HB 411 would provide for creation of the Law Enforcement Officer Employment Database and would mandate law enforcement agencies to maintain accurate records of complaints, disciplinary actions, and background info.
HB 273: Introduced by Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-103) and passed by the House. Awaiting a vote in the Senate. This would raise the legal age for possession, transportation and purchase of tobacco products, including electronic nicotine systems, from 19 to 21. This is amending the state law to be in accordance with an update to federal law in 2019.
