MONTGOMERY — A bill to prohibit the sale of most firearms and create a registry system for currently owned weapons and large-capacity magazines has been filed in the Alabama House of Representatives.
House Bill 462 (HB462), sponsored by State Rep. Mary Moore (D-Birmingham), would prohibit purchasing the majority of firearms after a specific date and require the registration of firearms currently in circulation.
The bill lists banned weapons as "assault weapons" and gives a comprehensive list of specific weapon models. It classifies a "large capacity magazine" as any ammunition-feeding device with more than seven rounds.
HB462 also defines banned weapons as containing a folding or telescoping stock, a pistol grip, bayonet mount, threaded barrel or flash suppressor, grenade launcher and others.
The bill would require anyone who contains an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine as defined in the bill to register the weapon based upon to-be-determined requirements set by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Any registration would be required by the beginning of 2024.
If passed, the bill would ban the vast majority of weapons currently owned in the state.
The bill would also prohibit anyone in the state from purchasing an "assault weapon" or "large-capacity magazine" after Jan. 1, 2024. Any violation of the bill would be a Class C felony.
The Alabama Legislature operates with a Republican supermajority, so the chances of the bill passing are slim. Democratic lawmakers have prioritized gun control this legislative session, and several bills have already stalled in their respective committees.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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