Alabama lawmakers passed a bill to repeal the requirement to have a permit to carry a concealed handgun, a decision that impacts the University of North Alabama’s campus. 

On Mar. 10, 2022, Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law after it was approved by the state Senate and House of Representatives. It officially took effect Jan. 1 of this year.

“Unlike states who are doing everything in their power to make it harder for law abiding citizens, Alabama is reaffirming our commitment to defending our Second Amendment right,” said Ivey in a statement. “I have always stood up for the rights of law abiding gunowners, and I am proud to do that again today.”

With this change, anyone over the age of 18 can legally own and carry a handgun without a permit, background check or safety training. However, permits are still available for those who wish to possess them, mainly for traveling to states that recognize permits issued by Alabama. There are also areas where concealed carrying is restricted, such as on private property not owned by the person carrying the firearm and in some governmental facilities.

This transition has left many wondering: what will be the university’s policy on concealed firearms? 

The Staff Senate met last month to decide on policy changes. The minutes from the meeting have not yet been released.

“Staff Senate met March 13 to discuss this topic, and it was at that time we voted on this policy,” said Melissa Bolton, the Staff Senate President. “Discussions around this policy were light as it had already been vetted and fully considered by the Faculty/Staff Welfare Committee, of which I am a part. The minutes from the March 13th Staff Senate meeting will be available online April 14th.”