Gov. Ivey signs bill banning Glock switches

Photo from the Office of Gov. Kay Ivey

Governor Kay Ivey has signed a bill into law that would ban Glock switches in the state of Alabama.

Senate Bill 116, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot and Rep. Phillip Ensler, imposed a state ban on illegal machine gun conversion devices.

The Glock switch ban is part of the governor’s Safe Alabama public safety package.

“While there is a federal ban on these gun conversion devices, we needed a way to empower our own law enforcement here in Alabama to get these illegal and extremely dangerous Glock switches off our streets. I am proud to support law enforcement and work to combat crime by putting my signature on SB116,” said Governor Kay Ivey.

One of the bill’s co-sponsors, Rep. Ensler, released this statement to Action 8 News:

One of the issues I hear from constituents about most is addressing gun violence.

That is why I fought so hard each year since being elected to office to pass a ban on devices that convert pistols into machine guns.

Today, I am immensely grateful that the governor signed this legislation into law and that it is effective immediately.

With this law, we overcame resistance to gun safety legislation and passed a state law prohibiting one of the most dangerous gun accessories that exist.

Passing gun safety legislation — especially as a Democrat — in Alabama is not easy.

But through the creation of a strong, diverse coalition that transcended party, we were able to enact this important measure.

Today, we proved that progress can happen and that the Alabama legislature can come together to help solve real problems.

May we always remember each and every person who has died from gun violence and may this legislation help save lives moving forward.

The new law goes into effect immediately.