HB347 Summary

• Amends Section 31-9-8 of the Alabama Emergency Management Act of 1955 to require the Governor or Legislature to designate specific counties affected when declaring a state of emergency that impacts less than the entire state.

• State of emergency declarations must be made by gubernatorial proclamation or legislative joint resolution when an attack on the United States, natural disaster of major proportions, or public health emergency occurs or is anticipated.

• Emergency declarations automatically terminate 60 days after proclamation unless extended by the Governor or Legislature.

• Prohibits seizure or confiscation of firearms or ammunition from lawfully carrying individuals during emergencies, except when law enforcement officers disarm individuals for immediate protection purposes or arrest/evidence collection.

• The act becomes effective immediately upon passage and gubernatorial approval or upon otherwise becoming law.