MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, the Alabama Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Gerald Allen (R-Cottondale) to strengthen the 2nd Amendment rights of Alabama citizens. It will allow law-abiding citizens to carry and transport handguns in their automobiles without a concealed carry permit. None of Alabama’s bordering states require a concealed carry permit for individuals to transport a handgun in a vehicle.

“No one is required to have a permit to keep a handgun in his or her house. The Castle Doctrine states vehicles are an extension of a person’s home,” said Senator Allen. “Therefore, adults should have the right to carry a pistol in their car without a permit.”

Currently, a concealed carry permit is required for a person to transport a handgun. The sheriff in each county is tasked with issuing the permits, and the annual fees range from $7.50 in Jefferson County to $20 in Tuscaloosa County.

“The government should not require a citizen to pay for a permit and ask for permission before carrying a handgun in a vehicle,” remarked Senator Allen. “A single mom who works in a dangerous part of town might decide to carry a pistol in her car for personal protection, and my bill means she won’t have to spend extra money to exercise her constitutional right.”

The legislation only applies to handguns and would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to knowingly carry a handgun in a vehicle. It now goes to the House of Representatives..

From the Office of Senator Gerald Allen 

Senator Gerald Allen represents District 21 in the Alabama State Senate, which is comprised of all or parts of Tuscaloosa, Pickens, and Lamar Counties.

He is chairman of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee. Follow him on Twitter for his latest legislative updates: @SenGeraldAllen