The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday passed controversial legislation forbidding state employees from cooperating with a potential federal executive order infringing on Alabama's Second Amendment rights.
Senate Bill 2 (SB2), the Alabama Second Amendment Protection Act, was sponsored by State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) and was carried on the House floor by State Rep. David Standridge (R-Hayden).
“What started this legislation is the people of Alabama,” Standridge said. “The people of Alabama are concerned about losing their right to bear firearms and to buy ammunition.
“Regularly we hear on the news constantly about efforts to offer gun control bills in Congress and gun control measures, and that is what concerns the people of Alabama."
State Rep. Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham) said, “This bill is not worth the paper that it is printed on.
“An executive order by the president has the weight of federal law. When there is a conflict between the state and federal law, federal law is supreme.”
Coleman asked what order is taking away Second Amendment rights, saying she is a gun owner and would have an issue with that.
Standridge introduced a House substitute for the Senate bill.
Rep. Mike Jones (R-Andalusia) explained, “This floor sub deals with executive orders. It has no effect on a law.”
Jones explained that the Alabama Attorney General will issue guidance on any federal law or executive order that might come down so that enforcement is consistent across the state.
“The penalty is actually the Constitution,” Jones said. “In my opinion, this is a very good floor sub and it needs to be replacing the original document.”
State Rep. Wes Kitchens (R-Boaz) brought a motion to cloture, ending the debate.
The cloture motion passed the House.
State Rep. Mike Ball (R-Madison) said, “I was a cop before I [came] in here. I have never seen a state or local enforcement officer enforce a federal law without a federal agent present. This is a political bill. I think we have been passing a lot of unsound legislation for political purposes. I am not going to be a good caucus member and will vote no on cloture motions.
“Since [Republicans] took control [in 2010], I have prayed for this place. I have prayed for revival. I have prayed for the Lord to turn this place around. I hope after we get behind this election people will take an inventory.”
State Rep. Mary Moore (D-Birmingham) said of the bill, “That sounds like secession from the United States.”
The House voted to pass SB2 on a vote of 68-28.
Approximately two hours later the Alabama Senate voted to concur with the House changes to the bill. The bill now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey (R) for her consideration.
Thursday was the final day of the 2022 Alabama Regular Legislative Session.
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