MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday passed a bipartisan bill banning Glock switches and other conversion devices that transform semi-automatic firearms into machine guns. The decision follows a deadly year of mass shootings, including multiple high-profile incidents in the state.
Although these devices are already banned under federal law, Alabama had no state-level prohibition—a gap this new law aims to close.
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Legislation Advances with Bipartisan Support
The Alabama Senate voted 24-2 to approve changes made by the House of Representatives, sending the bill to Governor Kay Ivey, who has voiced strong support for its passage.
“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 (D-Montgomery), who has advocated for the ban for three years.
Republican state Sen. Will Barfoot (Pike Road), who sponsored the bill, emphasized its importance in reducing gun violence.
If signed into law, the ban will take immediate effect, making the possession or sale of conversion devices a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Why the Ban Matters
Supporters of the measure argue that a statewide ban will empower local law enforcement to prosecute offenders, rather than relying solely on federal agencies.
Law enforcement officials warn that conversion devices drastically increase firing rates, turning handguns into uncontrollable automatic weapons, which can increase casualties in mass shootings.
According to Everytown for Gun Safety, these devices are already illegal in 23 states, and Alabama’s new legislation aligns with national efforts to reduce gun violence.
Gun Violence in Alabama
While Alabama lawmakers rarely agree on gun control measures, the bill passed without significant opposition—a notable departure from past legislative battles.
In 2022, Alabama repealed its permit requirement for carrying a concealed handgun in public.
The state also has one of the highest gun-related death rates in the U.S. According to 2022 statistics:
- 1,278 gun-related deaths occurred in Alabama.
- Alabama had the fourth-highest gun death rate in the country, following Mississippi, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
With Governor Kay Ivey expected to sign the bill, Alabama will join other states in tightening firearm regulations to curb gun violence and enhance public safety.
