Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, said Thursday he plans to introduce a package of laws that would create community violence prevention resources and add some restrictions for gun owners with mental health concerns.

Ensler, who is a lawyer, said he believes lawmakers can find ways to curb gun violence without taking away constitutional rights.

He said his proposed legislation is not exclusively a response to the April 15 mass shooting in Dadeville. Ensler said residents across his district said they worry about the impact of gun violence.

The Dadeville shooting killed four and injured 32. Five people have so far been arrested in connection to the shooting.

“Something I want to make abundantly clear before I get into the specifics of the bills that I’m proposing are that none of this, and I will say it over and over again, none of this infringes on the Second Amendment,” Ensler said. “I also recognize that no one law or 1000 laws can stop every act of gun violence, but as a lawmaker, I have a moral duty to try and pass laws. Yes, there is a need for prayer. There’s a need for addressing issues starting in the home, and of course individual responsibility. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t try to do things and implement measures that have worked in other cities and states.”

Read more: What court records reveal about the Dadeville birthday party shooting.

Ensler’s proposed bills will address:

• Including hospital-based violence intervention programs in the state budget. Experts say such programs have reduce the chance of retaliation following gun violence.
• Creating a violence prevention grant through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, where cities and counties could apply for funding to support evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence. Ensler cited Birmingham’s model as a goal.
• Prohibiting people from selling or possessing “ghost guns.” Ghost guns lack serial numbers, usually made up of various parts or kits bought online, which makes them virtually untraceable.
• Outlawing Glock switches, bump stocks and other devices that can turn a handgun into an automatic weapon. Ensler said there is currently no state law that allows prosecutors to charge people who use these items. Ensler said the law is similar to one introduced by fellow Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, but differs in technical language. He added that his proposed bill would be structured to align with federal law.
• Introducing a red flag law in the House, similar to Sen. Merika Coleman’s bill in the Senate.
• A voluntary “do not sell” list — those who know they are struggling can put themselves on a list to prevent purchasing a gun at a different time. Ensler said Utah enacted similar legislation.
• Hiring and embedding mental health responders within police departments.
• Working with the Department of Education to place mental health counselors in schools, rather than bringing them in in response to a tragedy.

As of Thursday afternoon, bills had not yet been filed in the state legislature.

Ensler said he knows the process ahead will be a “long and complex uphill battle,” but said he hopes to get bipartisan support for his bills.

“I will emphasize that none of these laws alone will stop every act of gun violence, but we have a duty to try,” he said.

Retired Rev. Ed Nettles of Montgomery opened the news conference with a prayer before addressing Alabama’s lawmakers.

“The violence today is quite different from the violence 15 years ago,” Nettles, who ran a campaign called ‘Enough is Enough’ said. “I plead to the lawmakers, Governor Kay Ivey, and to all those in authority: Please, help us in these communities.”

He added that “underserved communities are flooded with guns because of these laws” and said he has buried at least one hundred people.

“We cry out and say the municipalities, the mayors and the police force should do more. They are trying, but you are not helping,” Nettles said, addressing Ivey. “We do not disrespect you, but we ask for your help in curbing gun violence.”

Nancy Shinbaum, a Montgomery resident, said she wanted to reiterate that “thoughts and prayers are not enough.”

“What are you thinking and who are you praying for?” she asked.

Ensler held the conference at a park that is located in the middle of his district, saying gun violence is an issue that effects every neighborhood.

Once Ensler’s bills are introduced, they will be referred to a committee for evaluation.