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HB 150

Firearms; transfer of deadly weapon and ammunition to intoxicated persons prohibited; criminal penalty provided

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Phillip Ensler

HB 150 criminalizes transferring firearms or ammunition to intoxicated persons, adding state penalties to existing federal dealer restrictions on impaired buyers.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
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Bill Summary · HB 150

Legislative bill overview

HB 150 proposes to make it illegal for individuals to transfer firearms or ammunition to someone who is intoxicated, establishing criminal penalties for violations. The bill addresses a gap in Alabama law by specifically targeting the provision of weapons to impaired persons, though federal law already prohibits licensed dealers from selling firearms to intoxicated buyers.

Why is this important

Intoxicated individuals pose increased risks of accidental discharge, suicide, homicide, and other firearm-related injuries. This legislation aims to reduce harm by preventing access to weapons during periods of impaired judgment. The bill reflects a public health approach to firearms safety, similar to drunk driving laws.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement challenges: Determining intoxication levels and proving knowledge of intoxication at time of transfer creates practical difficulties for law enforcement and prosecutors
  • Definition scope: The bill's language regarding what constitutes "intoxicated" (blood alcohol content threshold, drug impairment) remains unclear and could affect application
  • Second Amendment concerns: Some may argue the law infringes on rights to transfer personal property, though public safety advocates counter that reasonable restrictions on firearm access are constitutional
  • Private transfer oversight: Without background check requirements or registration, enforcing the law for private citizen-to-citizen transfers will be extremely difficult compared to licensed dealer transactions

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

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