Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Firearms topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House approves ban on pistol conversion devices known as ‘Glock switches’
Summary
The House adopted SB116, creating a state offense for parts that convert pistols into machineguns; the chamber included narrow exemptions mirroring federal law. Final passage recorded 77-23.
The Alabama House on Tuesday approved SB116, making possession of parts designed to convert a pistol into a machine gun a state offense. The bill—carried to the House by Representative Zanesberg after Senate passage—specifically targets so-called "Glock switches." Sponsors said the measure mirrors federal law and addresses a spike in the use of conversion devices in violent crime.
Floor debate included brief remarks from lawmakers who represent cities seeing gun violence; Representative Phyllis Starnes and others described local incidents and urged adoption. The House adopted two minor committee-substitute edits on wording (to mirror federal language) and set the bill’s effective date to immediate effect, then voted for final passage 77 ayes, 23 nays.
The adopted text includes explicit exemptions for devices already regulated or exempt under federal law, and for certain mechanical devices that do not meet the statutory definition. Supporters said the measure merely creates a state-level tool aligned with federal enforcement; opponents raised concerns about enforcement and statutory clarity. The bill now heads to the governor for potential enactment.
Vote summary: committee substitute adopted; final passage 77-23.
