Firearm surrender initiative passes in Alabama House
Dubbed the Houston Hunter Act, a bill that would establish the legal framework for gun and ammo stores to temporarily hold lawfully possessed firearms passed out of the House Tuesday with a near-unanimous vote.
Sponsored by Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, Senate Bill 40 aims to mirror a Louisiana initiative known as the Safer Together Program, which is designed to create a degree of separation between Alabamians — particularly veterans — and their firearms during periods of mental health crises. The idea was first floated by the Veteran Mental Health Steering Committee last August, and later recommended by the body to be advocated for passing into law.
The bill would facilitate the temporary surrender of firearms at gun and ammo stores by establishing a legal framework to shield stores from liability were an individual who surrendered their firearm to, after retrieving it, use it unlawfully.
The bill passed with a vote of 93–1, with Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, being the lone dissenting vote. The bill now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey for final approval.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Alexander Willis and originally published by Alabama Daily News.
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