Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) — The Alabama House Democratic Caucus held a press conference Friday at the Alabama State House to address gun control concerns, introducing two bills aimed at curbing gun violence.
Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery County) has filed HB26, which would make it illegal to possess pistols modified with “Glock switches,” a device that converts semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons. The bill specifies that the device must be attached to the firearm for the possession to be considered illegal. While federal law already bans such devices, HB26 seeks to implement a state-level prohibition.
Rep. Kenyatte Hassell (D-Montgomery County) introduced HB23, which would require permits to carry assault weapons on one’s person or in a vehicle. The bill also mandates a permit for purchasing or acquiring such firearms.
The proposed legislation follows the fatal shooting of 18-year-old La’Tavion Johnson, of Troy, during Tuskegee University’s homecoming weekend. Although Johnson was not a student at the university, his death has drawn widespread attention.
Authorities arrested 25-year-old Jaquez Myrick of Montgomery in connection with the shooting. Myrick, who allegedly left the scene of the incident, was found in possession of a handgun outfitted with a machine gun conversion device. He is now facing federal charges for possessing a machine gun.
Lawmakers emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
