A new bill filed in Alabama would require residents to obtain a permit to carry assault weapons, both on their person and in their vehicles. Sponsored by Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, the bill defines assault weapons and outlines the permit process at local sheriff’s offices. Violation of the law would be a Class C felony punishable with up to ten years in prison. The bill is part of a series of proposed gun control measures by Democratic lawmakers in response to increasing gun violence in the state.
Another bill that failed to pass would have banned handguns modified with trigger activators. Despite facing opposition from House Republicans who cited Second Amendment concerns, the sponsor, Rep. Phil Ensler, plans to reintroduce the bill in the future. Ensler voiced his support for Hassell’s bill, which aims to address dangerous aspects of gun violence in Alabama.
While the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency supported Ensler’s bill, it did not comment on Hassell’s due to the legislation being pre-filed. Despite expected opposition to Hassell’s bill, he hopes to address gun violence issues in inner cities by targeting those who carry assault weapons in public spaces.
Gun violence in Alabama has been on the rise, with a higher rate of gun deaths compared to national averages. The bill aims to address public safety concerns and prevent potential tragedies related to the misuse of assault weapons. However, some House Republicans remain skeptical and resistant to supporting the proposed legislation.
Source
Photo credit aldailynews.com