The Alabama House and Senate have passed the Houston/Hunter Act, a bill allowing firearm owners to voluntarily and temporarily surrender their weapons to law enforcement during mental health crises. The legislation is aimed at reducing firearm-related suicides, particularly among veterans. 

The bill permits firearm owners to enter into a voluntary agreement with a federal firearms licensee or a municipal or county law enforcement officer, who would take possession of the firearm for a mutually agreed-upon period. The act also grants civil immunity to federal firearms licensees and law enforcement officers, protecting them from liability when returning firearms at the end of the agreed period.

Supporters of the legislation say it creates a safe and confidential option for individuals experiencing mental health challenges while ensuring that gun owners retain their Second Amendment rights. The process is voluntary, and there are no legal repercussions for seeking temporary firearm storage.

“Far too many Alabamians – both from our veteran population and civilian populations alike – suffer from mental illness and tragically too often do self-inflicted damage during times of mental health crisis,” said Rep. Russell Bedsole (R-Alabaster), who sponsored the legislation in the House.

“This will allow individuals to, on a voluntary basis, hand over their personal firearms to law enforcement for safekeeping in the event they fear they could use it to harm themselves – or for any other reason. This is a common-sense bill that can save lives, and I’m proud it made its way through the Alabama House this week.”

The legislation passed unanimously in the Senate and with a 98-2 vote in the House. State Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) sponsored the bill in the Senate, where it passed unanimously.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.