A bill has been filed in the Alabama House that seeks to enhance school security and safety.

Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) has proposed legislation that would make it a Class C felony for a parent if their child brings an unsecured firearm to school. Class C felonies in Alabama can carry up to a 10-year prison sentence.

Drummond said students deserve the right to be educated in a safe environment.

“If guns are brought onto school campuses – and it’s proven the weapon was taken from a parent’s home/automobile and the weapon was not secured – parents ought to be held responsible,” she said. “It’s time to hold parents/guardians responsible for not securing these weapons.”

Drummond also said the bill would not violate any Second Amendment rights.

There are exceptions to the bill: if a minor has the gun for a hunting or firearms safety course, at a shooting range, at an organized competition, while hunting or fishing with a permit, on the property of a parent or guardian, or in the Armed Forces and/or traveling to a permitted location.

State law prohibits people from carrying a firearm on public school property if they have “intent to cause harm.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.