In its first committee hearing of the legislative session, the Senate Judiciary Committee took up the "Glock Switch ban" bill and Senate Bill 119 proposed by committee chairman State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road).
The original proposed legislation included several provisions that were removed in an amendment presented during the committee. Barfoot also pledged to work with Sen. Chris Elliott, who raised concerns to ensure that minors who responsibly and lawfully exercise their Second Amendment rights aren't charged with firearm offenses.
In an interview with 1819 News, Elliott said that while he is "as sensitive to school safety as anyone," he has a son on the trap and skeet team at Orange Beach, and he wants the legislature to be "careful what's in that language."
He wants to make sure that the definitions for transporting and storing firearms are such that it doesn't make felons out of students who are safe and responsible, he said, pointing out that, "It's Alabama, and we go hunting."
Other changes made to the bill addressed concerns expressed by gun owners and Second Amendment advocates across the state. James "Jim" Porter, the former president of the NRA and current board member running for reelection as a part of a slate of reform candidates, told 1819 News that the Second Amendment protects against legislation that would deny an individual their right to exercise their constitutional rights while facing charges, stating that the justice system relies on "the presumption of innocence." Barfoot agreed to remove the language that included those charged with crimes and focus on those convicted.
Barfoot also said that he would not seek to restrict the rights of all felons, adding, "The truth of the matter is, I think it should be all felonies." Before saying that, some of the crimes that are classified as such shouldn't be felonies. Currently, several non-violent crimes, including several traffic offenses, are felonies in Alabama.
Other parts of the bill that were discussed and debated included increasing penalties for certain firearm-related crimes, such as discharging a firearm into an occupied building or other designated space, moving it from a Class B felony to a Class A. In response to a question about homeowners protecting their property, Barfoot stressed that Alabama law already protects those acting in self-defense.
The bill is just one of a number of firearm-related bills that have been filed this session. Governor Kay Ivey committed to passing a comprehensive crime package that included several measures specifically aimed at empowering law enforcement and prosecutors to keep violent criminals in prison. Gun groups around the state are rallying to make sure that none of the proposals infringe on the rights of lawful supporters of the Second Amendment.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at aprylmarie.fogel@1819news.com or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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