Alabama will soon allow people to carry a concealed handgun without a state permit which requires a background check.
The new state law goes into effect on Jan. 1 and ends the requirement for a person to apply for a permit to carry it in public legally, ABC News reported.
Before being approved, the proposal had been shut down for years in Montgomery. The legislation was pushed and supported by gun rights advocates who believe in “constitutional carry,” referring to the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.
However, many, including state sheriffs and others in law enforcement, opposed the idea, saying that permits help fight crime and enhance public safety.
The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action lobbied for the state legislation. There are now 26 states that allow permitless carry.
“It’s going to be a big step to help the average law-abiding citizen to keep them from having to go through the hoops of getting a permit to carry their weapons,” Rep. Shane Stringer, the legislation’s sponsor, said. Stringer noted the law only impacts the permit requirement. “It’s not going change who can and cannot carry a gun. People that are prohibited now are still prohibited.”
The Alabama Sheriffs Association also opposed the legislation. “Alabama sheriffs are clear on the law taking effect Jan. 1 and have adjusted accordingly,” said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, president of the Alabama Sheriffs’ Association.
