��������

Alabama has a new law banning machine gun conversion devices.Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 116, imposing a state ban on the illegal devices.In a 24-2 vote, the Alabama Senate passed the amended bill Tuesday, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot and Rep. Phillip Ensler, which prohibits people from having a part or parts intended to convert a pistol into a machine gun. The Alabama House passed the amended bill earlier this month.Those devices, some called "Glock switches," can be installed on handguns to automatically fire more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single pull of the trigger, said the legislation.The governor issued a statement saying, "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 SB 116." SB116 is part of the governor's Safe Alabama public safety package. Governor Ivey began the legislative session by stating bolstering public safety is her number one priority, and she looks forward to the other bills working their way through the legislative process and reaching her desk."This important legislation further strengthens our commitment to public safety by banning machine gun conversion devices at the state level," said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor in a statement Wednesday. "While these devices are already prohibited under federal law, the enactment of this state law provides local law enforcement with the additional tools necessary to protect the people of Alabama and reduce the risk of gun violence in our communities."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. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin released a statement following the bill's signing, serving as a warning to those in the city that posses the devices."Law enforcement up one and BPD is outside ready to put case on all of y’all," it read."Y’all were hell in 2024. We putting serious heat on yall in 2025," it continued.The city has partnered with Crime Stoppers to offer a $1,000 reward for any calls that lead to a credible arrest.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 latest: �������� 13 coverage on PoliticsA person who has possession of the device in any way will be prosecuted with a Class C felony charge. The measure takes effect immediately.