Alabama bill would require permits for assault weapons

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBRC) - A bill pre-filed in the Alabama Legislature would require a person to have a permit to legally carry certain firearms like assault weapons.

Birmingham’s mayor recently showed up to a council meeting with an AR-15, calling for more legislation like this.

Right now, anyone 19 or older who is legally allowed to own a firearm can carry, openly or concealed, without a permit.

House Bill 23 would require a permit specifically for assault weapons. The legislation, which can be read here, gives specific definitions for assault weapons.

Representative Kenyatte Hassell is based in Montgomery and says there is a problem in the capital city. People are walking around and showing off large assault weapons while in public, creating a sense of fear on public streets.

He knows assault weapons and semi-automatic guns pose issues statewide and nationwide. He believes putting a few restrictions in place could deter some of the gun violence we’re experiencing.

Rep. Hassell says the main point of this legislation is to give authority back to law enforcement to ensure a safe community and hold citizens who break the law accountable.

“If you’re a law-abiding citizen, you can go get your permit and have this weapon,” he explained. “I’m not trying to take weapons away from everybody. It’s just that some of these weapons get in the wrong hands and it’s so wide open and free now that it’s causing a lot of problems.”

Hassell says if these weapons do get in the wrong hands, police would finally be able to do something about it and hold criminals accountable.

This bill would also require a permit to purchase a semi-automatic rifle.

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