HB504 Alabama 2021 Session

Under existing law, there are prohibitions against carrying a firearm inside certain places, including prisons, courthouses, police stations, and psychiatric facilities

Also under existing law, there are prohibitions against carrying a firearm inside any facility to which access of unauthorized persons and prohibited articles is limited during normal hours of operation by the continuous posting of guards and the use of other security features. The prohibitions apply to all persons, even to persons who have been issued a concealed carry permit, unless the person has express permission to carry a firearm on the premises

This bill would further provide for the requirement to post guards by limiting application of the term guard to those individuals whose principal purpose of employment is to protect persons or property from criminal activity; who wear a security uniform; and who wear, carry, possess, or have access to a firearm in the performance of official duty

Amendment 621, as amended by Amendment 890, of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, prohibits a general law whose purpose or effect would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds from becoming effective with regard to a local governmental entity without enactment by a 2/3 vote unless: it comes within one of a number of specified exceptions; it is approved by the affected entity; or the Legislature appropriates funds, or provides a local source of revenue, to the entity for the purpose

The purpose or effect of this bill would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of the amendment. However, the bill does not require approval of a local governmental entity or enactment by a 2/3 vote to become effective because it comes within one of the specified exceptions contained in the amendment

Relating to firearms; to amend Section 13A-11-61.2, Code of Alabama 1975, to further provide for the prohibition on the possession of a firearm in certain places without authorization; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Amendment 621, as amended by Amendment 890, of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended.