MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A newly proposed bill in Alabama is sparking debate over gun rights and public safety. Representative Kenyatte Hassell (D-Montgomery) has pre-filed House Bill 23, which would require permits for carrying “assault weapons” and certain semi-automatic firearms in public. Alabama is a Constitutional Carry state, so of course, political freedom haters want to do what they can to claw that constitutional right back from free Alabamians.
Currently, Alabamians 19 years or older can carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit. However, HB 23 aims to change that, specifically targeting firearms randomly “classified” as “assault weapons.” The bill defines these as semi-automatic rifles capable of accepting detachable magazines and possessing certain features like folding stocks or second handgrips.
Hassell argues that the bill is necessary to address the rising concerns about gun violence and public safety.
“People are walking around with large assault weapons in public, causing fear and unease,” Hassell said. “We need some form of regulation to deter gun violence and ensure these weapons don’t end up in the wrong hands.”
The proposed legislation has sparked the expected reactions. Mostly Democrat lawmakers and ‘only-ones’ law enforcement officials support the move, believing it will give police more authority to manage and reduce gun-related incidents. However, others argue that it directly infringes on Second Amendment rights and may not effectively address the root causes of gun violence.
Representative Allen Treadaway, a veteran law enforcement officer, believes the focus should be on increasing the number of police officers and utilizing the state’s crime-tracking database.
“We need more officers on the streets to respond to violence,” Treadaway stated. “The database helps us track who should and shouldn’t have guns, and that’s where our focus should be.”
Despite the opposition, Democrat Hassell is determined to push the bill forward, emphasizing its narrow focus and intent.
“I’m not trying to take weapons away from law-abiding citizens. It’s about ensuring that those who carry these powerful firearms are properly vetted,” he explained.
Oh Yeah… Also a Permit To Purchase
The bill also includes a provision for obtaining a permit to purchase a semi-automatic rifle, adding another layer of regulation to the process. Violating the proposed law would be considered a Class C felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to ten years.
Supporters of the bill, like Representative Phil Ensler (D-Montgomery), believe it addresses some of the most dangerous aspects of gun violence. Ensler, who previously tweeted his support for the U.S. Surgeon General’s declaration that “gun violence is a public health issue,” stated, “I fully support this bill and commend Rep. Hassell for his efforts to tackle gun violence.”
I fully support the U.S. Surgeon General’s declaration today that gun violence is a public health issue as it is the leading cause of death for adolescents.
With that said, we all have a role to play — from home to the community to the state legislature in keeping our children…
— Phillip Ensler (@EnslerPhillip) June 26, 2024
As the debate continues, the proposed legislation highlights the ongoing struggle between American Patriots and those seeking ever-increasing gun control measures. With gun violence rates increasing in Alabama, the discussion around HB 23 is expected to be intense and closely watched.
The Alabama Legislature will consider the bill in the 2025 session, beginning in February. Until then, both sides will be preparing their arguments for what promises to be a heated debate over the future of gun regulation in the state.
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