Alabama senator seeks to eliminate requirement for concealed carry firearm permits

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — An Alabama senator is seeking to eliminate the requirement for concealed carry firearm permits in Alabama. The proposal is sparking a lot of opinions.

The sponsor Senator Gerald Allen says that citizens should not have to pay to exercise their second amendment rights.

Alabama is an open to carry state, but you need a permit to carry a firearm in your car, purse or underneath your clothes. If Allen's bill passes it will remove the permit requirement and the penalties for not having a gun permit.

Mobile County Sheriff, Sam Cochran considers the change a threat to the community.

"Then anybody can carry guns in their car. People 18 years of age and teenagers will just put more guns on the street," says Sheriff Cochran.

The sheriff appeared on Midday Mobile with Sean Sullivan and said there is already a major problem with guns being stolen from vehicles. He says the money from permit fees helps equip his deputies. Gun store employee Rusty Schultz says he sees no need to remove permits.

"I am all for keeping it in place. We have a good system we got something that works lets keep it," says Schultz.

Caitlyn Dannelly says she has a permit and carries a pistol in her purse.

"I feel like at least I have security in case something was to happen," says Dannelly.

She says she won't feel safe if this bill passes. Dannelly believes everyone who carries a weapon should go through a background check.

"It's a serious thing. I don't think someone off the street random should just have a gun. If you have a gun then you should defiantly have a permit," says Dannelly.

The bill was passed by Alabama senate in 2017, but it didn't pass in the House. March 5th legislature will begin session.

Sherriff Cochran says if it does make it though the house this time -- law enforcement will continue to fight it.

"I think all of law enforcement at least 90% is opposed to it. We see it as a safety for police officers and to our citizens," he says.

Senator Allen says there will still be the option to purchase a permit.