AlabamaAlabama law sets felony penalties for gunfire at schools
Starting October 1, 2026, people who fire guns at or on school property would face the listed felony penalties, with several exceptions.
What it does
Starting October 1, 2026, firing a gun into an occupied school bus or building would be a Class A felony; firing into an unoccupied one would be a Class C felony.
Starting October 1, 2026, gunfire on school property would carry a Class B felony penalty during school hours or activities and a Class C felony penalty at other times, with stated exceptions.
Argument forThe stated Class A penalty could discourage gunfire aimed at occupied school buses or buildings by increasing the possible punishment.
Argument againstThe school-property rules could expose people to felony charges for gunfire outside school hours, even though the text lists several exceptions.
More detail
A person who fires a gun into an occupied school bus or building would commit a Class A felony. Firing into an unoccupied bus or building would be a Class C felony. This applies to school buses and school buildings, whether occupied or unoccupied. The section does not apply when the person is legally justified in using physical force. It also does not apply to listed organized competitions, school-approved events, certain nonprofit performances using firearms, or qualifying land leased from a school system. These provisions would apply starting October 1, 2026.
A person who fires a gun on school property during school hours or school activities would commit a Class B felony. Other gunfire on school property would be a Class C felony. The rule covers school property, but excludes certain unused trust lands without school buildings or student educational or recreational use. The section would not apply to a person younger than 19. It would not apply to legally justified force or to listed organized competitions, school-approved events, certain nonprofit performances using firearms, or qualifying leased land. Other criminal laws would still apply, and the law with the more serious penalty would control when offenses overlap. These provisions would apply starting October 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 17EnactedBecame Law
- Apr 9Ready to Enroll
- Apr 9EnrolledTo Governor
- Apr 9Signature Requested
- Apr 9Delivered to GovernorMinor
- Apr 8Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1274Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1274. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 19Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Judiciary)Minor
- Mar 18Reported Out of Committee Second House
- Mar 5Third Reading in House of Origin
- Vote recorded Third Reading in House of Origin. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 753. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 752. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 5Judiciary Engrossed Substitute Offered (Judiciary)Minor
- Mar 5Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 752Major
- Mar 5Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 753Passed House
- Mar 5Engrossed
- Mar 5Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on JudiciaryMinor
- Mar 5Pending Committee Action in Second House (Judiciary)
- Feb 19Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (Judiciary)Minor
- Feb 18Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (Judiciary)
- Feb 10Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on JudiciaryMinor
- Feb 10Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Judiciary)Introduced
Public SafetyCriminal JusticeGun Policy