Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB414

Introduced

4/4/24

Introduced

4/4/24

Report Pass

4/24/24

Refer

4/4/24

Report Pass

4/24/24

Caption

Firearms, criminal penalty for unreasonably secured firearm stored by parent in possession of child

Impact

This bill is expected to significantly impact state laws related to firearm storage and the responsibilities of firearm owners, particularly parents. By defining clear consequences for neglecting to secure firearms, the legislation intends to prevent incidents of minors bringing firearms to schools, thereby enhancing safety for students and staff. Furthermore, the bill's implementation will likely prompt discussions around firearm safety education for parents and legal guardians, possibly leading to increased community awareness and responsibility toward secure firearm storage.

Summary

House Bill 414 aims to amend existing laws regarding firearm possession by minors, introducing a criminal penalty for parents or legal guardians who fail to secure their firearms adequately. The bill specifically targets situations where a minor unlawfully possesses a firearm on school premises. Under HB414, failure to secure a firearm could result in a Class A misdemeanor if the firearm is accessed by a child on school grounds. The legislation emphasizes the importance of responsible gun ownership and seeks to enhance safety in educational environments by holding parents accountable for the proper storage of firearms.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB414 is the balance between gun rights and community safety. Advocates for the bill argue that it creates necessary accountability for parents, aiming to reduce instances of gun-related incidents in schools. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns regarding the implications of such legislation on personal freedoms and the complexity of enforcing penalties against parents. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the adequacy of existing safety measures and educational programs relating to responsible firearm storage and use.

Latest HB414 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB224

Firearms, criminal penalty for unreasonably secured firearm stored by parent in possession of child

AL SB119

Firearms, revise circumstances when firearm possession is prohibited

AL HB103

Firearms; storage requirements provided; criminal penalty for violation resulting in possession by minor under certain circumstances, subject to exceptions

AL HB123

Relating to firearms; to amend Section 13A-11-72, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide a criminal penalty for a parent or legal guardian who fails to reasonably secure their firearm resulting in their minor possessing the firearm on the premises of a public school; to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style; 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 Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

AL HB460

Public safety, firearms, to prevent certain offenders from owning a firearm, penalties, Sec. 13A-11-72.1 added; Secs. 13A-11-70, 13A11-72, 13A-11-84 am'd.

AL HB20

Firearms, penalty for failure to inform when in possession and questioned

AL SB1331

Schools; parents; firearm possession

AL HB58

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

AL HB301

Relating to firearms; to amend Section 13A-11-84, Code of Alabama 1975; to establish a list of criminal offenses deemed felonies dangerous to human life; to provide enhanced criminal penalties for the possession, brandishing, or discharge of a firearm during the commission of a felony dangerous to human life; to provide prohibitions on the possession of a firearm by certain individuals released on bond or personal recognizance for certain underlying criminal offenses; to prohibit the possession of a firearm by certain individuals convicted of a felony dangerous to human life under certain conditions; to provide criminal penalties for a violation; to make; 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 Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

AL HB326

Firearms, storage requirements, prohibit access of loaded firearms to a minor child, penalties

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.