Alabama Grapples with Gun Violence Amidst Loosening Regulations
– Alabama continues to navigate a complex landscape of gun laws, balancing Second Amendment rights with growing concerns over firearm-related violence. The state, which already has some of the most permissive gun laws in the nation, saw its gun death rate rank third highest in the country in 2023, with 1,220 people dying from gun violence that year – a rate of one death every seven hours.
Federal law establishes a baseline for firearm eligibility, generally prohibiting convicted felons and those with specific domestic violence convictions from possessing guns. However, as noted by Giffords Law Center, federal regulations contain gaps that allow individuals with risk factors for violence to legally acquire firearms. Alabama law builds upon this framework, but with notable provisions and exceptions.
According to guidelines published by LegalClarity, Alabama law prohibits individuals from receiving a pistol if they are under 18, addicted to drugs, or “an habitual drunkard.” The state also restricts firearm possession for those convicted of crimes of violence, whether committed in Alabama or elsewhere. This includes convictions for misdemeanor offenses of domestic violence and individuals subject to valid domestic abuse protection orders. The inclusion of domestic violence offenses highlights the state’s focus on addressing the intersection of firearms and abuse.
The Alabama Code, specifically Section 13A-11-72, details restrictions on possessing a pistol. Individuals convicted of a felony within the past five years, or with three or more felony convictions at any time stemming from separate indictments, are prohibited. Anyone charged with a crime of violence, misdemeanor offense of domestic violence, or violent offense and released pending or during trial is also barred from possessing a firearm.
The criteria for prohibited persons extends to those deemed to be of “unsound mind,” a provision intended to prevent individuals with severe mental health conditions from accessing firearms. However, the application of this criterion remains a subject of legal interpretation.
While Alabama law prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms, it lacks several commonly advocated gun safety measures. Giffords Law Center points out the state does not have universal background checks, gun owner licensing requirements, or extreme risk protection orders (also known as “red flag” laws). It also lacks restrictions on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
The state does have some measures in place, including handgun dealer licensing and mental health record reporting. However, advocates argue these are insufficient to address the escalating rate of gun violence. In 2023, the rate of gun deaths in Alabama increased by 52% compared to 2014, significantly higher than the national average increase of 33% over the same period.
Approximately 48% of gun deaths in Alabama are attributed to suicide, while the remaining 48% are homicides. This statistic underscores the multifaceted nature of gun violence and the need for comprehensive prevention strategies.
The National Survey of Gun Policy, conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, provides further context to the ongoing debate surrounding gun control measures. However, specific findings from the survey were not available in the provided sources.
As Alabama lawmakers continue to grapple with the issue of gun violence, the debate over balancing Second Amendment rights and public safety remains at the forefront. The state’s high gun death rate and relatively lax gun laws are likely to fuel further discussion and potential legislative action in the coming years.
