Alabama 2022 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB13

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Firearms, prohibitions on state enforcement of certain federal firearm laws, provided

Impact

If enacted, HB 13 would significantly alter the landscape of gun legislation in Alabama by categorically exempting in-state manufactured firearms from federal laws such as registration and regulation. This means Alabama could foster its own firearm industry that operates independently of federal oversight. The criminal penalties outlined in the bill for public officials who engage in the enforcement of federal firearm laws highlight a stringent approach to safeguarding states' rights and constitutional freedoms. Supporters argue that this enhances local autonomy while ensuring that the constitutional rights of individuals to bear arms are not infringed.

Summary

House Bill 13 addresses the relationship between state and federal regulations regarding firearms, explicitly prohibiting state agencies from enforcing federal gun regulations. The bill asserts that any firearms, accessories, or ammunition manufactured and kept within Alabama are not subject to federal regulation, invoking the Tenth Amendment's principles of federalism. This assertion is based on the belief that the federal government cannot require state officials to enforce its laws, a stance supported by constitutional interpretations, including the precedent set in Printz v. United States. The bill aims to strengthen state independence in regulating firearms by declaring federal interference invalid within the state's borders.

Contention

The bill's implications may create contention between state and federal authorities, potentially leading to legal challenges should the federal government attempt to enforce its regulations within Alabama. Critics are likely to argue that this sets a dangerous precedent for disregard of federal law and could lead to conflicts that undermine national standards set for firearm safety and regulations. The local government's role in enforcing regulation would also come into question, particularly if state funds are withheld as penalties for attempts to comply with federal mandates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB69

Firearms; Class 1 municipalities; possession of certain firearms prohibited under federal law; possession of firearms by prohibited person under federal law, penalty provided

AL HB409

Relating to firearms; enforcement of red flag laws in this state prohibited; cause of action for enforcing red flag laws established

AL SB40

Firearms; firearm hold agreements defined; civil immunity therefrom provided

AL HB216

Firearms; firearm hold agreements defined; civil immunity therefrom provided

AL SB119

Firearms, revise circumstances when firearm possession is prohibited

AL HB23

Firearms, to require permit to carry assault weapons in vehicles or on one's person or to acquire such.

AL HB12

Firearms, bump stocks prohibited subject to exceptions

AL HB13

Firearms, to prohibit possession and transfer of assault weapon under certain circumstances

AL HB58

Firearms; criminal penalty established for failure to inform of one's concealed possession under certain circumstances

AL SB219

Clay County; authorize sheriff to dispose of certain abandoned, stolen or unclaimed property and firearms

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB678

(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB473

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.