February 21, 2022 Group Watch: Lawmakers Advance Bill to End Concealed Carry Pistol Permit
After a vigorous and lengthy debate, a divided Alabama House committee advanced a bill to repeal the state’s requirement for permit to carry a concealed pistol. Advocates for the repeal say the requirement to undergo a background check and pay the county sheriff to carry a concealed handgun infringes on the 2nd amendment right to bear arms. The bill has drawn opposition from sheriffs and police, who say the permit requirement helps protect police and the public and helps prevent and solve crimes. Sheriffs also depend on the permit fees for funding. The committee approved the bill on an 8-5 vote with two abstentions. Rep. Allen Farley, who is a retired law enforcement officer was the lone Republican to vote against the bill. The four Democratic members of the committee voted no. A similar bill in the Senate has won committee approval in that chamber.
