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Bill

HB 26

Firearms, to prohibit possession of pistols with parts installed to convert into machine gun

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Phillip Ensler

Alabama bill prohibits possessing pistols modified with parts that convert them to fully automatic weapons, clarifying state law on conversion device ownership.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
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Bill Summary · HB 26

Legislative bill overview

HB 26 proposes to make it illegal in Alabama to possess a pistol that has been modified or equipped with parts designed to convert it into a fully automatic weapon (machine gun). The bill specifically targets conversion devices, which are aftermarket components that can modify semi-automatic firearms to fire automatically.

Why is this important

Conversion devices have become increasingly accessible and popular among some gun owners, creating a legal gray area in many states. Federal law prohibits possession of unregistered automatic weapons, but state-level enforcement and clarity on conversion parts varies significantly, making this a practical regulation question with direct public safety implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Second Amendment advocates may argue this infringes on firearm ownership rights, particularly if the definition of prohibited "parts" is broad enough to include common accessories
  • Enforcement and definitional challenges: Determining what qualifies as a conversion part versus a legitimate accessory could be difficult and lead to disputes over legal versus illegal modifications
  • Federal versus state authority: Questions about whether this duplicates federal law or creates conflicts with existing federal regulations around automatic weapons and conversion devices

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

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