SB377 • 2026

Firearms; possession without identification prohibited in certain municipalities

Children Crime Firearms

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Hatcher
Last action: 2026-03-31
Official status: Pending Committee Action in House of Origin
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide specific details about which Class 3 municipalities are organized under Act 618 of 1973.

Firearms Identification Requirement in Certain Cities

This bill makes it illegal to possess a firearm without proper identification in certain municipalities, with exceptions for confirmed identity by law enforcement.

What This Bill Does

Prohibits individuals from possessing firearms without valid identification in Class 1 municipalities and specific Class 3 municipalities organized under Act 618 of the 1973 Regular Session.
Defines 'valid form of identification' as listed in Section 17-9-30(a) of the Alabama Code.
Makes it a crime (Class C misdemeanor) to possess or control a firearm without proper ID when requested by law enforcement, unless identity is confirmed on-site.
Ensures that charges are dismissed and records expunged if valid identification is produced in court.

Who It Names or Affects

People who carry or own firearms in Class 1 municipalities and certain Class 3 municipalities.
Law enforcement officers enforcing this law.
Courts handling cases related to violations of this law.

Terms To Know

Class C misdemeanor: A minor criminal offense that carries a penalty less severe than other types of misdemeanors or felonies.
Valid form of identification: Identification documents recognized by the state, such as driver's license or passport.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify which Class 3 municipalities are organized under Act 618 of 1973.
It is unclear how this law will be enforced and what forms of identification are acceptable in practice.

Bill History

2026-03-31 Senate
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin
2026-03-31 Senate
Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary

Official Summary Text

Firearms; possession without identification prohibited in certain municipalities

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

SB377 INTRODUCED
Page 0
SB377
KH3GXAU-1
By Senator Hatcher
RFD: Judiciary
First Read: 31-Mar-26
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KH3GXAU-1 03/30/2026 ZAK (L)ZAK 2026-1494
Page 1
First Read: 31-Mar-26
SYNOPSIS:
This bill would prohibit an individual from
possessing a firearm without a valid form of
identification in any Class 1 municipality and any
Class 3 municipality organized under Act 618 of the
1973 Regular Session (Acts 1973, p. 879) unless the
individual's identity is confirmed by a law enforcement
officer.
This bill would also provide criminal penalties
for violations.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to firearms ; to prohibit individuals from
possessing firearms without a valid form of identification in
Class 1 municipalities and Class 3 municipalities organized
under Act 618 of the 1973 Regular Session (Acts 1973, p. 879);
and to provide criminal penalties for violations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. (a) This act shall apply only within the
corporate limits of Class 1 municipalities and Class 3
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SB377 INTRODUCED
Page 2
corporate limits of Class 1 municipalities and Class 3
municipalities organized under Act 618 of the 1973 Regular
Session (Acts 1973, p. 879).
(b) For purposes of this section, the term "valid form
of identification" shall be all forms of identification listed
in Section 17-9-30(a), Code of Alabama 1975.
(c) An individual may not possess or have under his or
her control a firearm if he or she does not have in his or her
possession, and produce upon request by a law enforcement
officer, a valid form of identification.
(d) A violation of subsection (c) is a Class C
misdemeanor.
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (c), if an individual is
in possession or control of a firearm without a valid form of
identification, he or she shall not be in violation of
subsection (c) if, on request of a law enforcement officer, he
or she correctly identifies himself or herself to the law
enforcement officer and the officer is able to confirm the
individual's identity.
(f)(1) The court shall dismiss a charge of violating
subsection (c) for any individual who produces in court a
valid form of identification.
(2) The court shall immediately expunge all records,
including records of arrest, relating to a charge dismissed
pursuant to subdivision (1).
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2026.
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