By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed an amended version of the Omnibus gun bill, Senate Bill 286. The compromise legislation was approved by both the National Rifleman’s Association and the majority of Alabama Sheriffs, who were concerned about the version of the bill that passed the Senate.
SB286 was sponsored by Senator Scott Beason (R) from Gardendale and was carried in the House by Rep. Ed Henry (R) from Hartselle.
Immediately following passage Representative Mack Butler (R) from Rainbow City said on Facebook. “The House just passed SB 286 74-27 which will give Alabama some of the strongest gun rights in the nation.”
Rep. Christopher John England (D) from Tuscaloosa said on Facebook, “SB286 has passed. The gun bill now heads back to the Senate before sailing on to the Governor. During the debate, I offered an amendment to prohibit a person, including a person with a permit, from possessing a concealed firearm on school grounds. The bill already prohibits possession of a concealed firearm at events like high school football games. However, they didn’t want to extend that prohibition to our schools. It was voted down. Imagine that.”
The Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (R) from Auburn said on Facebook, “Republicans have proven once again that our constitutional right to bear arms is sacrosanct and will be prioritized and protected in the great state of Alabama. President Obama and the Democratic Party are bound and determined to limit the rights of gun owners while Alabama Republicans have succeeded in defending these inalienable rights.”
State Rep. April Weaver (R) from Brierfield said, “After a long day of debate, SB 286 passed the House today. I was proud to take a stand for the law abiding citizens and responsible gun owners that I represent.”
Rep. Terri Collins (R) from Decatur said, “Congratulations Rep. Ed Henry on a great job working with all the parties involved to present and pass this 2nd Amendment protection bill.”
Rep. Kerry Rich (R) from Albertville said, “We’ve reached the end of a long but eventful day in the House. Most notably, I and my Republican colleagues voted for final passage of the compromise gun bill, sponsored by Representative Ed Henry.”
The legislation still must go back to the Senate for their concurrence. If the Senate concurs it goes to the Governor for his signature. If not it would be referred to a conference committee.
