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In a continued effort to address gun violence and enhance community safety, Representative Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, has announced a series of legislative priorities for the 2025 session. These include a ban on Glock switches, the continuation of a conflict resolution program in schools, expanded mental health counseling for students and educators, and grants aimed at improving neighborhood safety.
Ensler’s approach, which blends law enforcement support with proactive community programs, underscores his belief that tackling gun violence requires a multifaceted strategy that engages lawmakers, educators, law enforcement, and communities alike.
Ban on Glock Switches: Addressing a Deadly Threat
Ensler is reintroducing a bill to ban Glock switches, small devices that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic firearms. Known formally as House Bill 26 (HB26), the bipartisan measure is co-sponsored by Representatives Allen Treadaway, Russell Bedsole, Rex Reynolds, and Travis Hendrix—all of whom have extensive law enforcement experience. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Alabama State Fraternal Order of Police, the Alabama Sheriffs Association, and the Alabama District Attorneys Association have all reaffirmed their support for the measure.
“These devices have been used in several high-profile shootings in Alabama and pose a growing threat to public safety,” Ensler explained in a press release. “Passing this ban at the state level will allow local law enforcement and district attorneys to prosecute cases directly, rather than relying on federal authorities to take action.”
Currently, Glock switches are federally prohibited, but cases must be referred to federal prosecutors, creating delays and jurisdictional challenges. A state-level ban would streamline enforcement and send a clear message about Alabama’s stance on gun violence.
“While no law can prevent every tragedy, this legislation is a crucial step toward saving lives and enhancing community safety,” Ensler emphasized in his press statements. “It’s about creating safer neighborhoods and deterring dangerous behavior.”
Conflict Resolution Program: Proactive Intervention for Youth
Building on prior success, Ensler will seek continued funding for a conflict resolution program within Montgomery Public Schools. Initiated two years ago, the program employs counselors trained in evidence-based practices to teach students peer mediation, anger management, and other skills aimed at reducing violence.
“This initiative has already made a measurable difference,” Ensler noted. “By equipping students with tools to de-escalate conflicts, we’re addressing issues at their root and preventing violence before it starts.”
The program, which began in Montgomery, is now being piloted in Birmingham schools, signaling its potential for statewide implementation.
Mental Health Counseling: Supporting Students and Teachers
Drawing on his experience as a former educator with Teach for America, Ensler is acutely aware of the mental health challenges facing students and teachers. He has witnessed the devastating impact of gun violence on his former students—both victims and perpetrators.
Ensler’s proposal includes piloting a mental health program within Montgomery schools to provide regular counseling services for students and educators. While the initiative is designed to address trauma related to gun violence, it will also tackle broader mental health needs.
“Unaddressed mental health issues can escalate into violence,” Ensler stated. “Providing these services is not just a safety measure—it’s a lifeline for students and educators alike.”
Neighborhood Safety Grants: Empowering Local Communities
Ensler has also prioritized funding for neighborhood safety initiatives through grants administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. These grants, accessible to local police departments, aim to support community-driven solutions such as installing security cameras and enhancing neighborhood crime monitoring.
“Residents in District 74 consistently identify public safety as a top concern,” Ensler said. “These grants provide communities with the resources they need to tailor safety measures to their specific challenges.”
A Comprehensive Vision for Community Safety
While these initiatives form the core of Ensler’s 2025 legislative agenda, he acknowledges that addressing gun violence requires a broader, collaborative effort. From expanding educational opportunities to improving economic access, Ensler believes the fight against violence must engage every segment of society.
“These measures are part of a larger puzzle,” Ensler concluded. “We all have a role to play in creating safer communities, and we must take collective responsibility for this issue.”
As the legislative session approaches, Ensler’s proposals reflect a determined commitment to reducing gun violence and improving public safety, signaling a call to action for Alabama lawmakers and communities alike.
