Permitless concealed carry bill defeated in Senate committee

Montgomery Advertiser

An Alabama Senate committee on Tuesday narrowly rejected a bill that would allow permitless concealed carry in Alabama, a bill that drew criticism from the state’s sheriffs.

The Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee voted 6 to 5 to reject the measure, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, that would have done away with requirements to have a concealed carry permit for carrying weapons or in a vehicle.

Sen. Gerald Allen speaks during debate on the gas tax bill on the state floor in the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday March 12, 2019.

Allen called the measure “constitutional carry” and said it would “not do away with permits,” but he appeared to struggle Tuesday to explain to the committee the purpose and reason for the bill. Gun access supporters have argued that carry a weapon is a constitutional right.

"It’s a deep support of the 2nd amendment," Allen said after the Senate adjourned on Tuesday. "And plus, I took the oath of office to support the US Constitution and the state constitution. It is a matter of principle, it really is."

Law enforcement groups and Moms Demand Action, which supports public safety measures on guns, objected to the measure. Sheriffs said the bill could prevent them from stopping individuals who mean to do harm but may not have a criminal record. That argument was seized on by opponents in committee.

“I’m not really worried about all those law-abiding people who would get the permit and do all the right things,” said Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro. “I’m worried about the guy who would not do the right thing.”

More:Fiery debate: Advocates, opponents pack hearing on permitless concealed carry legislation

Singleton voted against the bill in committee, as did Sens. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton; David Burkette, D-Montgomery; David Sessions, R-Grand Bay; Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham and Randy Price, R-Opelika. Voting for the bill were Sens. Chris Elliott, R-Daphne; Garland Gudger, R-Cullman; Andrew Jones, R-Centre; Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston and Tim Melson, R-Florence.

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on the measure last week. Marsh said Allen requested that the bill be moved to Tourism and Marketing. Allen said he did so because he felt the bill was moving too slowly in Judiciary.