Huntsville lawmaker says he will support bill requiring parents to lock up guns
Rep. James Lomax said he plans to support a bill introduced in the Alabama legislature this month that would put more responsibility for gun safety on parents.
Alabama agriculture, forestry rake in billions every year: report
'This was a real scare,' Lomax said. 'This was this was a near-miss, so I think we're lucky that that it wasn't worse. But, I think they're concerned about what we're going to do going forward.'
HB 103, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Drummond, would create a criminal penalty for parents whose child is found to have a gun on a public school campus. If a student brings a gun to school from home, parents would have to prove the weapon was 'reasonably secured' in something like a lockbox or gun safe. Otherwise, they could face a Class A misdemeanor.
Lomax said concerned parents brought the bill to his attention.
'On reviewing it, I said, look, this is a parent responsibility bill,' Lomax said. 'This is a school safety bill. This is something that I absolutely need to put my name on, even if I have got to go across party aisles.'
Lomax also helped secure a $10,000 grant for other security measures.
'My understanding was that they have a really good plan, but some of it hadn't been implemented yet,' Lomax said.
After the incident, Huntsville City Schools increased the number of security personnel and put in place an Evolv weapon detection system that students have to walk through when they get to school. Lomax said he hopes the grant money can speed
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
City of Athens releases upcoming municipal election poll locations
ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) — The City of Athens posted the designated polling locations for each district for the upcoming election. The City said that, as it is one week away from the August 26 municipal election day, poll locations for each district have been posted. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day. Below is a list of the poll locations: District 1 Athens Recreation Center, 21821 Sportsplex Loop, Athens, AL 35613 District 2 Lindsay Lane Baptist Church, 1300 Lindsay Lane, Athens, AL 35613 District 3 Pincham-Lincoln Center, 606 Trinity Circle, Athens, AL 35611 District 4 Friendship United Methodist Church, 16479 Lucas Ferry Road, Athens, AL 35611 District 5 Athens Activity Center, 912 West Pryor Street, Athens, AL 35611 The City also said there are dates for absentee voting that are approaching: August 21- Last day to apply for a regular absentee ballot. August 25- Last day to apply for an emergency absentee ballot; absentee ballots may be hand-delivered until 5 p.m. August 26- Absentee ballots must be postmarked or processed by a common carrier no later than August 25 and received by noon on Election Day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Scottsboro Police find man accused of shooting officer following nearly 20-hour manhunt
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (WHNT) — The Scottsboro Police Department said it has found a man who shot a police officer Saturday morning. As of 10:03 p.m., SPD said Daniel Victor McCarn has been found. He was found on the 2000 block of Old Larkinsville Road. SPD said a local business owner and a resident saw McCarn through a camera they had at a business in the area. SPD went to check out the lead, which led to his arrest without incident. Authorities used heat signatures from a drone to find McCarn near the railroad tracks just behind the business. SPD released thermal drone video of his capture, which can be viewed below: Earlier, at around 12:49 a.m., SPD said it responded to a domestic incident on Ruth Street. When officers arrived, the department said McCarn drove off in a vehicle and started a police chase. The chase ultimately ended in a crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 72 and County Park Road. SPD released the following statement on McCarn: Daniel Victor McCarn Age 29 Formerly of Huntsville McCarn should be considered armed and dangerous The department said McCarn left the vehicle and began shooting at officers, and hit an SPD officer. He then ran away, and around 2:57 a.m., SPD said it was a multi-agency manhunt to find McCarn. Scottsboro Resident Daiton Ashmore lives down the road from where the incident took place. She said she heard it when she happened to get up in the night. 'I had to go use the bathroom and wanted to check on my kids, and I heard a popping noise,' she said. 'It was like a rapid pop pop pop. Honestly, it kind of made me think someone was knocking on the door.' She said a variety of law enforcement agents were combing through her yard shortly after. She and her neighbors were told to shelter in place. The officer was taken to Huntsville Hospital for treatment. The department said the officer's injuries are not considered life-threatening. 'He is okay,' said Durham. 'We have spoken to him. He is being treated by Huntsville Hospital. He is injured. However, they are saying that they are not life-threatening injuries.' Durham added that the officer had a procedure done. SPD said Highway 72 around County Park Road had reopened to traffic. SPD said that heat during the day was a big obstacle in its search, as it made getting drones up for thermal aerial images difficult. SPD added that a family member of McCarn was the one who initially called SPD, which led to the incident. SPD said that he has no past criminal history. A Blue Alert was issued by ALEA around 12:15 p.m. A Blue Alert is issued when: Peace Officer is missing, injured, or killed and an at-large suspect is believed to be a serious threat to the public, ALEA said. 'Multiple law enforcement agencies are on scene to assist in the search for McCarn, including Special Agents assigned to ALEA's State Bureau of Investigation, Troopers assigned to ALEA's Highway Patrol and federal partners to include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,' ALEA said. Several businesses, including Bruce's Foodland, announced they were delaying opening due to the situation in the area. '7/26/25 6:45 AM UPDATE: Bruce's Foodland in Scottsboro will delay opening until further notice due to an active law enforcement situation nearby. Please join us in keeping everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers. We will post an update on opening as soon as law enforcement gives us the all clear. The safety and well-being of our team and customers is our top priority.' Bruce's Foodland, Facebook The Cloverdale Rehabilitation and Nursing Center also announced that it was not accepting visitors at this time to protect residents and staff. 'Visitation Update – CRNC Out of an abundance of caution, Cloverdale Rehabilitation & Nursing Center remains on temporary lockdown due to an ongoing community safety concern. At this time, only staff are permitted entry. We are closely monitoring updates from law enforcement and local news and will reopen to visitors as soon as it is safe to do so. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our residents and team.' Cloverdale Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Facebook Google Maps shows that U.S. Highway 72 from the Taco Bell to Whataburger is closed until 12:30 p.m. The Piggly Wiggly in Scottsboro had been delayed opening due to the incident, but at 11:30 a.m. announced that the store had opened up for business. Scottsboro City Schools is also asking people to avoid several schools in the area. Scottsboro City Schools, Facebook High Country Toyota also took to Facebook to delay opening due to the ongoing situation. You can read the business's post below. 'Scottsboro Police Department, along with multiple other agencies, is searching for a suspect in an officer-involved shooting in the area of County Park Rd and Hwy 72 thismorning. The suspect is still on foot and considered armed and dangerous. We will delay opening until further notice due to an active law enforcement situation nearby. Please join us in keeping everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers. We will post an update on the opening once law enforcement gives us all the information. The safety and well-being of our team and customers is our top priority.' High Country Toyota Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen said the single-vehicle accident on Hwy 72 around 6:58 a.m. is related to this incident, but did not provide more details. Representative Dale Strong took to social media to comment on the Scottsboro officer-involved shooting. You can read his full statement below. 'I am saddened and troubled to learn of the Scottsboro Police Department officer who was shot and injured in the line of duty. My thoughts and prayers are with the officer, his loved ones, and the entire Scottsboro law enforcement community. Please join me in praying for the officer's full and swift recovery.' Dale Strong Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Yahoo
Absentee voting now open for the 2025 Municipal Election in Madison
MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) — Absentee Voting is now open for the 2025 Municipal Election in Madison. The City of Madison is encouraging all registered voters who are unable to vote in person to participate by requesting and submitting their absentee ballots. This ensure that anyone who wont be able to vote in person still has an opportunity to make their voices heard. Residents are urged to review eligibility requirements and submit their applications as early as possible to ensure timely processing. To receive an absentee ballot, you can write or visit the Election Manager at the City Clerk's Office. Residents will be able to request an absentee ballot as long as you provide the following: Name and residential address (or other such information to verify voter registration) Ensure that a copy of your valid photo identification is included with the application The election for which the ballot is requested Reason for absence from the polls on election day The address to which the ballot should be mailed Voter signature. (Signature must be original; electronic signatures will not be accepted. If a mark is made in place of a signature, it must be witnessed.) You can click here, to confirm that you are a registered voter at your current address before making an application for absentee voting. Voters can submit the application by mail or commercial carrier. Residents can also submit their applications in person at Madison City Hall (City Clerk's Office) which is located at 100 Hughes Road. A valid photo ID is required. Each application must be submitted in a separate envelope. Multiple applications in the same envelope will not be processed. To learn more about the absentee voting process, click here. To download the absentee ballot application, click here. Municipal elections in Madison will be held on Tuesday, August 26. Polling places will be open for voting from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
