As incidents of gun violence increase in the United States, many citizens, activists and lawmakers across the country have called for a change in gun laws.

Alabama’s political parties remain split over gun rights and gun control. While some lawmakers have introduced bills that limit gun access, others have responded by saying it’s not up to the legislature to reach the root cause of gun violence.

Some Democratic lawmakers have suggested tighter gun restrictions at or near schools, but gun rights groups like Bama Carry are expressing concerns. Some Republican-supported legislation includes a package of bills from state prosecutors that would increase penalties for convicted felons who possess guns.

Overall, Alabama is considering more than 20 bills, sponsored by Republicans and Democrats, that would impact access to firearms and potential penalties. See more coverage here.

Alabama is one of the states with the highest death rates related to gun violence in the United States, along with some of the weakest gun control.

In Alabama, as well as across the U.S., gun violence has risen to become the leading cause of death for children.

Recently, a mass shooting that killed four and injured 32 took place in Dadeville, Alabama at a Sweet 16 party.

The table below includes Alabama bills that pertain to gun control, regulation, safety or access. It will be updated as bills are introduced and move through the 2023 session.

How to use the table:

• Colors in the table correspond to the most recent action on the bill.
• Some bills have additional information or certain exceptions, which can be found by hovering over the bill’s description.
• The bills are broken down into pages, which can be navigated at the bottom of the table. (Clicking on the corresponding arrow will navigate forward or backward).
• The search bar at the top of the table can assist in finding specific bills using keywords. For example, searching a bill number, the name of a sponsor or a keyword like “serial number” will pull up any bills containing those words.

Link to text of bills included:

HB1 | HB12 | HB28 | HB34 | HB37 | HB42 | HB64 | HB123 | HB181 | HB191 | HB234 | HB288 | HB301 | HB341 | HB375 | HB380 | HB383 | HB384 | HB385 | HB386 | HB392 | SB126 | SB143 | SB158 | SB206

How we made this table:

Using both the Alabama legislature’s website and LegiScan, we searched the text of all bills containing the words “gun” or “firearm.” After pulling the bills, we read them to determine whether they would change existing policy relating to purchasing, possessing, owning or operating guns in Alabama. Bills that did not change such laws were excluded, and those left are bills that propose changes to existing gun laws.

What do the different bill statuses mean?

In Alabama, a bill is filed and given a number, then it’s introduced in its respective chamber (either the House or the Senate). After introduction, most bills are assigned to a committee, where they are discussed and will either be passed out of committee or die. Once they’ve passed, they head back to the chamber they originated in, where they receive a second read. If a bill is reported favorably, it’s put on the regular calendar. Bills on the regular calendar are eligible for a third read and a vote. If they pass, they move on to the next chamber and repeat the process. Bills must be passed by both chambers and be signed by Gov. Kay Ivey in order to become law.

Read more about the legislative process here.

How can I be involved in the process?

If a committee chairman receives a written request, bills can get a public hearing in committee, where residents can come speak to lawmakers directly. Outside of public hearings, constituents can contact their lawmakers to share their thoughts on new policies.

You can find out who your lawmakers are using this map.

Once you’ve found their name, you can search them on Alabama’s legislature website, where their profiles list their email addresses and phone numbers:

Read more about gun policy from AL.com:

After Nashville tragedy, will any gun bills be a priority for Alabama lawmakers?

Mobile group calls for action to stop gun violence, and transparency in police shooting

Alabama may punish parents who don’t secure guns, allow children to take them to school

What Alabama’s new constitutional carry law means.