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Bill

SB 156

Firearms, Gun Violence, Protective Order Act, procedure for issuance of gun violence protective order, established

2026 Regular Session

Alabama SB 156 creates a legal process to temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals deemed to pose serious harm risks, balancing safety and constitutional rights.

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Bill Summary · SB 156

Legislative bill overview

SB 156 establishes a legal procedure for issuing gun violence protective orders (also called "extreme risk protection orders") in Alabama. These orders would temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals deemed to pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others, based on petitions filed by law enforcement or specified parties.

Why is this important

Gun violence protective orders represent a significant policy intervention in firearm rights and mental health/safety management. The bill addresses a gap in Alabama law—currently one of the few states without such a mechanism—and attempts to balance public safety concerns with constitutional considerations around due process and Second Amendment protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Critics argue these orders may infringe on Second Amendment rights without sufficient due process protections, particularly if ex parte (one-sided) hearings can temporarily restrict access before full hearings occur
  • Defining "risk": The bill's criteria for determining who poses a "significant risk" could be subjective, raising concerns about potential misuse or disparate enforcement across demographics
  • Burden on law enforcement and courts: Implementation requires training, resources, and judicial capacity to handle petitions and hearings, with unclear funding mechanisms
  • False accusations and civil liability: Questions remain about protections for those accused of posing no actual risk and whether petitioners can face liability for bad-faith orders

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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