A bill to increase funds for local sheriff's offices for lost revenue from selling pistol permits has been filed in the Alabama House of Representatives.
Constitutional carry legislation removing the requirement for Alabamians to acquire a permit to carry a concealed pistol on their person or in their vehicle was signed into law in 2022.
The law, sponsored by State Rep. Shane Stringer (R–Citronelle), removed the requirement for Alabamians to acquire a permit to carry a concealed pistol on their person or in their vehicle. It went into effect on January 1.
The 2022 law created the Local Government Pistol Permit Revenue Loss Fund to help offset revenue losses from removing the concealed carry permit requirement. Alabamians still have the option to get a concealed carry permit if they so choose.
House Bill 320 (HB320), sponsored by State Rep. Russel Bedsole (R-Alabaster), would increase the initial $5 million annually allocated for the revenue loss fund to $7.5 million. It would also change the fund's name to the "Sheriffs' Advancement in Education, Technology, and Training Fund."
Additionally, HB320 would increase the timeframe the fund would be effective. The 2022 law automatically dissolved the fund on Jan. 1, 2027. Under Bedsole's proposed bill, the fund would dissolve on Jan. 1, 2029.
The bill will go to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee for deliberation since it requires additional state expenditure from the General Fund.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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