Fairfax, Va. - The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) today applauds Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey for signing House Bill 272, NRA-backed legislation that allows law-abiding Alabamians to carry a handgun for personal protection without paying a tax or obtaining a license from the state.
“The NRA worked tirelessly with state leaders and legislators to pass the most significant pro-Second Amendment measure in Alabama history,” said NRA-ILA Executive Director Jason Ouimet. “We thank Gov. Ivey, bill author Rep. Shane Stringer, legislative leaders, and every lawmaker who supported this landmark legislation.”
HB 272 does not affect previously issued permits to carry and allows those who still wish to obtain a permit in order to carry in states recognizing Alabama’s permits to do so. It also does not allow anyone prohibited under state or federal law from possessing a firearm to carry a firearm.
”None of this would be possible without the relentless efforts by leaders in both the house and senate including Speaker Mac McCutcheon, House Lead Sponsor Shane Stringer, Rep Mike Jones, Rep Andrew Sorrell, Senate lead sponsor Sen. Gerald Allen, and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed,” said NRA Alabama State Director Art Thomm.
Alabama is now the 22nd state, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming, to allow law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit.
“As law enforcement is being defunded and criminals aren’t being prosecuted, it is more important than ever that law-abiding Americans right to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their homes is fully recognized. NRA will continue to champion this God-given right until every state in the nation is a constitutional carry state,” Ouimet concluded.
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.