Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Senate Bill 296 - Seizure of Firearms During Emergencies

This bill has been passed by the Alabama State Senate and has passed on to the House. From the ALISON Database you expand the Bills drop down, then expand the Search drop down and then select Keyword and enter SB296 (no spaces between SB and 296).

From the engrossed bill... "To amend Sections 31-9-8 and 31-9-10, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the emergency powers of the Governor and of local political subdivisions, to specify that these powers do not authorize the seizure or confiscation of firearms or ammunition from persons lawfully authorized to possess them and to specify certain conditions when a law enforcement officer may disarm an individual." -- the underlined portions found in the search described above are the amended language.

This bill has been introduced by Senators Scott Beason - (R) 17th District - Blount, Jefferson & St. Clair counties & Rusty Glover - (R) 34th District - Mobile county.

The only part I don't really like about this one is that the officer does not have to return your firearm if he/she thinks that you pose a threat to yourself or others. True, if you pose a threat, you should not get your firearm back until you do not pose a threat. But, I see no method for regaining your firearm if the officers thinks you are a threat and you are not or are no longer a threat.

I have not performed an exact analysis, but this and HB225 look to be the same.

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