In an effort to address the growing gun violence problem in Jefferson County, Alabama, Representative Patrick Sellers has proposed a new bill aimed at keeping Glock switches out of the county. Sellers, a Democrat from Pleasant Grove, pre-filed House Bill 73, which seeks to prohibit the possession of trigger activators, commonly known as Glock switches, in Jefferson County.
The bill, which is set to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session, defines a “trigger activator” as any part or combination of parts designed to convert or enable a firearm to shoot automatically, without manual reloading, with a single pull of the trigger. Glock switches are used to turn a semi-automatic handgun into an automatic weapon, capable of firing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone caught possessing such a device in Jefferson County would face a civil penalty of at least $1,000 for each violation. This move is in response to the increasing misuse of Glock switches, which are often distributed illegally through 3D printing and other channels. Sellers has pointed out that while Glock switches are already illegal at the federal level, Alabama does not have a state ban specifically targeting these devices.
Why the Bill is Important
Rep. Sellers has been vocal about the need for localized legislation to deal with gun violence, particularly in Jefferson County, where a significant portion of the state’s violent crimes occur. According to Sellers, 53% of Alabama’s violent crimes are concentrated in Jefferson County and Montgomery. This alarming statistic has prompted Sellers to take action, especially as Glock switches are becoming more readily available and are being used to convert firearms into automatic weapons.
“Because they are mass-produced by 3D printers and other distribution methods, we have got to do something about it,” Sellers said. “This is just one way of starting to apply a little bit of pressure on those who are caught with Glock switches.”
The bill specifically exempts state and local law enforcement officers acting in an official capacity from its provisions, as well as individuals who lawfully possess a trigger activator under federal law. It also makes an exception for trigger activators designed to increase a firearm’s rate of fire but that do not enable a semi-automatic firearm to fire more than two shots without reloading.
Impact on Gun Violence Prevention Efforts
This bill is part of a larger push within the state legislature to combat gun violence. Sellers is not alone in his efforts to address this issue. Other lawmakers, including Rep. Phillip Ensler from Montgomery, have also sponsored legislation targeting Glock switches. Ensler’s bill would classify possessing a Glock switch as a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in state prison.
Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, also from Montgomery, is sponsoring House Bill 23, which would require individuals to obtain a permit before carrying an assault-style weapon either on their person or in their vehicle. Meanwhile, Rep. Juandalynn Givan from Birmingham is pushing for legislation that would ban bump stocks in Birmingham, in an effort to further reduce the risk of gun violence.
Local Concerns and Support for the Bill
The introduction of House Bill 73 comes in the wake of growing concerns about the illegal distribution and use of Glock switches, particularly in urban areas like Birmingham and Montgomery. Glock switches are particularly dangerous because they allow handguns, which are traditionally semi-automatic, to fire continuously with a single trigger pull, making them much more lethal in criminal activities.
In addition to the civil penalties for possessing Glock switches, the bill also aims to raise awareness about the dangers posed by these devices, which have been linked to an increase in gun violence and illegal activities. Sellers has emphasized that this bill is just one step in a broader effort to curb gun violence in the state.
“We’ve got to take action before it gets worse,” said Sellers. “This bill is a small part of the bigger picture, but it’s a start.”
Next Steps and Potential Impact
If the bill is passed, it would go into effect on October 1, giving law enforcement and the public time to adjust to the new regulations. Sellers hopes that by making the possession of Glock switches illegal at the county level, it will send a strong message about the state’s commitment to reducing gun violence and keeping dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands.
Sellers is working closely with other lawmakers who have proposed similar bills targeting gun violence, such as Senator Rodger Smitherman, who has pre-filed bills aimed at increasing penalties for firearm-related offenses and banning Glock switches altogether. Smitherman’s push for stricter penalties is partly in response to the mass shooting at Hush Lounge in Birmingham, which highlighted the deadly consequences of unregulated access to high-powered weapons.
As the debate on gun violence continues in Alabama, the introduction of HB73 marks an important step in addressing the growing concern over the availability and use of Glock switches. Sellers and other lawmakers are hopeful that the bill will pave the way for further legislative action aimed at improving public safety and preventing gun violence in the state.
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