Concealed Carry in Alabama: Still may issue
I always knew it was but, according to most sources, it may as well be shall issue. Chuck notes that a push for real shall-issue died in the house:
Alabama’s concealed carry, a statewide permit, depends on the local sheriff to set the regulations and even if you meet the requirments, the sheriff still doesn’t have to issue.
Of course, Alabama has reciprocity with many shall-issue states (like Tennessee) so you could get an out of state permit. The guys at packing.org note:
I know of no Sheriff who doesn’t Issue to all who qualify. Counties are not required to conduct a background check on applicants, but most do. That’s why AL reciprocity is so limited with other states.
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:55 am
Out of state permit isn’t valid for residents of Alabama in Alabama. At least that’s my reading of the reciprocity law.
This section shall apply to a licenseholder from another state only while the licenseholder is not a resident of this state.
Section 13A-11-85
If a new sheriff is elected, new requirments can come into effect. Yes, all that I know will issue, but do you want to depend on the good graces of a single official?
Take a look at Baldwin County’s concealed carry (pistol) application
And Lee County’s requirement of registering the handgun (s?) you wish to carry.
Alabama needs a uniform “state” “shall” issue concealed carry law.
As to “not required to conduct a background check”
Section 13A-11-75
Prior to issuance of a license, the sheriff shall contact available local, state, and federal criminal history data banks to determine whether possession of a firearm by an applicant would be a violation of state or federal law.
May 2nd, 2007 at 12:16 pm
When I lived in Alabama (in a particularly extremely gun-friendly county), I had my permit in about 15 minutes. $15 and 15 minutes. Not a bad deal. In fact, in my experience, I would consider it just short of heaven…behind Vermont’s conceal carry requirements that is.
Of course, it would be nice of them to have a state-wide, shall-issue rule. I actually didn’t realize it was may-issue. However, I wonder that if the change were made that would result in more restrictions.
May 2nd, 2007 at 12:52 pm
My county, Russell, is a “good” county with a decent sheriff…..who will probably be retireing in the next election cycle.
Who knows what the attitude of the next sheriff will be.
You have to have a “good” reason to tote in Alabama. “good” being defined by the sheriff.
The sheriff of a county, upon the application of any person residing in that county, may issue a qualified or unlimited license to such person to carry a pistol in a vehicle or concealed on or about his person within this state for not more than one year from date of issue, if it appears that the applicant has good reason to fear injury to his person or property or has any other proper reason for carrying a pistol, and that he is a suitable person to be so licensed.
May 6th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Of course, when this law originally passed, it was well understood that “suitable person” = white.
May 6th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Which leads to the question ” why would a race that has so been mistreated historically, by both government and individuals, be so against the right and ability for the individual to have weapons to protect themselves?” since most blacks seem to be in the anti-gun camp.
Or is that a fallacy