Alabama House Bill HB73

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Report Pass: 2/19/25
• Refer: 2/25/25

Caption

Jefferson County; fine for possession of trigger activator, established

Impact

This bill represents a significant change in local firearm regulations, reflecting a state-level response to concerns about gun violence and automatic firing mechanisms. The establishment of civil penalties aligns with similar approaches seen in other jurisdictions seeking to regulate potentially dangerous firearm components. If enacted, this law would not affect law enforcement officers acting within their official capacities or individuals who possess these activators in accordance with federal law. Certain exceptions are provided for trigger activators that do not enable a firearm to fire more than two shots without reloading.

Summary

HB73 is legislation specifically targeting the possession of trigger activators within Jefferson County, Alabama. Under this bill, individuals are prohibited from knowingly possessing, controlling, or caring for a trigger activator—defined as any part or combination of parts that allows a firearm to shoot more than once with a single pull of the trigger. Violations of this law are subject to significant civil penalties, with fines starting at $1,000 per violation. Local district attorneys or the Attorney General are authorized to assess these penalties, which can be enforced through civil action.

Contention

The enactment of HB73 may face opposition from gun rights advocates who argue that such regulations infringe upon constitutional rights and that they could lead to misunderstandings regarding what constitutes a trigger activator. Supporters might contend that this legislation is a crucial step toward enhancing public safety by limiting access to devices that can increase the lethality of firearms. Thus, the bill likely serves as a focal point for broader discussions about gun control measures within the state, reflecting varying constituents' perspectives on gun ownership and public safety.