Latest news with #PhillipEnsler
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signs bill banning devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — On Wednesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed into law a bill banning Glock switches and other conversion devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Ensler and Sen. Will Barfoot, was approved by Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday. 'The hope is that we deter people in the first place,' Ensler said prior to the bill's passage. 'If they know that there's a state level ban, and they know that Alabama is taking it seriously, hopefully, it'll stop people from having these in the first place.' The push for a state law banning conversion devices increased following multiple mass shootings in the state last year. 'While there is a federal ban on these gun conversion devices, we needed a way to empower our own law enforcement here in Alabama to get these illegal and extremely dangerous Glock switches off our streets. I am proud to support law enforcement and work to combat crime by putting my signature on SB116,' Gov. Ivey wrote. The measure takes effect immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Independent
19-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Alabama lawmakers approve a ban on devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns
Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday approved a ban on Glock switches and other conversion devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns, after a deadly year that included multiple mass shootings. A bipartisan coalition pushed the Alabama legislation after several multiple mass shootings last year, including the shooting deaths of four people outside a Birmingham nightclub in September. The devices are already banned under federal law, but there's currently no state law that bans them. The Alabama Senate voted 24-2 to accept the House of Representatives changes to the bill. The measure now goes to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who is expected to sign it after calling for its passage in her State of the State address. 'Passing gun safety legislation in Alabama is not easy. But the hard work of building a bipartisan coalition has resulted in the passage of this life-saving legislation,' said state Rep. Phillip Ensler, a Montgomery Democrat, who had urged the measure for three years. 'While laws cannot bring back victims of gun violence, this ban can help save lives moving forward,' he said. Republican state Sen. Will Barfoot of Pike Road sponsored the bill that was approved this year. Possessing or selling the devices would be a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The measure will take effect immediately if it is signed into law. The devices are banned under federal law and in 23 states, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. Supporters said a state ban will allow local law enforcement to prosecute people for the possession of the devices. Police say the devices produce a rapid, hard-to-control spray of bullets that increase the number of casualties during a shooting. The bill passed without significant opposition, a rare consensus on gun legislation in the deeply red state. Alabama lawmakers in 2022 voted to end the requirement to get a permit to carry a concealed handgun in public. Alabama has one of the highest rates of gun violence in the U.S. In 2022, there were 1,278 gun-related deaths in Alabama, which was the fourth-highest gun death rate in the country, ranking below Mississippi, Louisiana and New Mexico.
Associated Press
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Alabama lawmakers approve a ban on devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday approved a ban on Glock switches and other conversion devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns, after a deadly year that included multiple mass shootings. A bipartisan coalition pushed the Alabama legislation after several multiple mass shootings last year, including the shooting deaths of four people outside a Birmingham nightclub in September. The devices are already banned under federal law, but there's currently no state law that bans them. The Alabama Senate voted 24-2 to accept the House of Representatives changes to the bill. The measure now goes to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who is expected to sign it after calling for its passage in her State of the State address. 'Passing gun safety legislation in Alabama is not easy. But the hard work of building a bipartisan coalition has resulted in the passage of this life-saving legislation,' said state Rep. Phillip Ensler, a Montgomery Democrat, who had urged the measure for three years. 'While laws cannot bring back victims of gun violence, this ban can help save lives moving forward,' he said. Republican state Sen. Will Barfoot of Pike Road sponsored the bill that was approved this year. Possessing or selling the devices would be a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The measure will take effect immediately if it is signed into law. The devices are banned under federal law and in 23 states, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. Supporters said a state ban will allow local law enforcement to prosecute people for the possession of the devices. Police say the devices produce a rapid, hard-to-control spray of bullets that increase the number of casualties during a shooting. The bill passed without significant opposition, a rare consensus on gun legislation in the deeply red state. Alabama lawmakers in 2022 voted to end the requirement to get a permit to carry a concealed handgun in public. Alabama has one of the highest rates of gun violence in the U.S. In 2022, there were 1,278 gun-related deaths in Alabama, which was the fourth-highest gun death rate in the country, ranking below Mississippi, Louisiana and New Mexico.
