The Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would repeal the state’s law requiring a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration of final passage.
Looking at Legiscan, HB 272 passed the full Senate, 23 to 5, with 7 abstaining, on March 3rd, 2022. Four Republicans and three Democrats abstained from voting. They may have agreed not to vote, with offsetting votes. It is a common tactic that does not affect whether the bill passes or not.
Three amendments were added to the Senate committee.
The first amendment was a requirement for an armed person to inform an officer of the law if the armed person was asked by the officer if the person was armed. In this case, being armed includes if a firearm is in the vehicle occupied by the person. The armed person is required to answer the officer truthfully.
The second amendment made clear if a person was on private property, and were personally informed they were not allowed to be armed on the property, they would be required to leave. If they did not leave, they would be charged with criminal trespass. This is a reinforcement of the way trespassing is enforced in most states. What is different in this statute, is the law requires the prosecution of armed trespassers if they refuse to leave, removing much discretion about enforcement of the law. From the amendment:
“(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a violation of this section shall be prosecuted