HB44 Summary

• Eliminates concealed carry permit requirement: Allows Alabama residents 19 years or older to carry a concealed pistol without obtaining a permit, though permits remain available for reciprocal recognition in other states.

• Modifies firearm restrictions: Revises limitations on carrying firearms at specific locations including courthouses, psychiatric facilities, detention facilities, and athletic events; allows firearms in locked vehicles at sheriff's offices that issue permits.

• Implements "constitutional carry": Changes carrying a visible pistol from a presumed violation of disorderly conduct to a rebuttable presumption that it is not a violation, removing language requiring a permit or license.

• Updates permit procedures: For those who choose to obtain permits, establishes concealed carry permits valid for 1-5 years or lifetime, with background checks through NICS and state firearms databases; includes appeal processes for denials or revocations.

• Repeals prior restrictions: Eliminates prior laws prohibiting carrying pistols on wildlife management areas, private property without permission, unloaded pistols in vehicles, and exceptions to licensing requirements; becomes effective three months after passage.