2025 Alabama Legislative Session: A Critical Moment for Gun Rights and Responsibilities*

As Alabama’s 2025 Legislative Session unfolds, the atmosphere in Montgomery is charged with urgency and anticipation. With significant legislation on the table, including Senate Bills 32 (SB32) and 116 (SB116), the stakes have never been higher for gun owners and advocates of personal freedoms. On February 13, these bills passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, with SB32 and SB116 receiving full Senate approval the following day. Now, they are headed to the House, where their fates will be determined.

SB116, affectionately dubbed “Governor Ivey’s Glock Switch Bill,” has quickly gained momentum, passing out of the Senate on February 19, 2025. This bill aims to address concerns surrounding the use of Glock switches ( but not limited to ), devices that can convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic firearms.

The legislative process has not been without its challenges. On February 26, 2025, the House committee was faced with a pivotal decision regarding HB26, which seeks to regulate Glock switches. However, in a sign of the times, the committee chose to roll this bill until next week, signaling a clear intent to prioritize SB116 of which Gov. Ivy has demanded to be passed.

Additionally, SB32 has undergone significant amendments, particularly the removal of language that defined certain firearms as machine guns. This amendment is a resounding victory for gun rights advocates who believe that responsible gun ownership should not be criminalized through convoluted definitions. As SB32 heads to the House floor for a vote, we must remain vigilant; any amendment requires a return to the Senate for final approval, and we must ensure that the integrity of this legislation is upheld.

Moreover, House Bill 58 (HB58) has also gained traction. Originally, this bill would have imposed a penalty for failing to inform law enforcement officers (LEOs) about the possession of a weapon during a stop. However, the committee’s decision to strike this duty from the criminal code is a potential game-changer. This amendment, if passed, would alleviate unnecessary burdens on law-abiding citizens and reaffirm our commitment to personal freedoms. As it stands, the amended version of HB58 is now poised for a vote on the House floor, followed by a critical journey to the Senate.

The first ten days of this session have been nothing short of frenetic, with legislators grappling with pressing issues that affect the rights of Alabamians. We can expect this intensity to continue as we advance through the session. This is where you come in; your voice matters now more than ever. Call and email your representatives to express your concerns with these anti-guns bills. Remind them that responsible gun ownership enhances our communities, and that we demand legislation that reflects our values.

In this pivotal moment, let us unite in our commitment to uphold our rights and advocate for sensible legislation. Together, we can ensure that Alabama remains a state where personal freedoms are cherished, and responsible gun ownership is celebrated. Your actions today can shape the future of our state. Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.

James D. Jones