Governor Ivey signs "Glock Switch ban" bill

March 19, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) signed bipartisan legislation that would ban devices that make handguns fire out all of their rounds in a burst on the pull of the trigger. Handguns come from the factory where there has to be a separate trigger pull for each bullet. So-called "Glock switches" are already illegal under federal law. This legislation makes it a state crime to be in possession of, manufacture, or distribute illegal Glock switches allowing district attorneys to bring these cases rather than relying on federal authorities to make these cases.

Senate Bill 116 (SB116) was sponsored by state Senator Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) and carried in the House by Representative Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery)., to impose a state ban on illegal machine gun conversion devices in Alabama.

"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," said Governor Ivey. "I am proud to support law enforcement and work to combat crime by putting my signature on SB116." - Governor Kay Ivey

SB116 is part of the governor's Safe Alabama public safety package. Governor Ivey began the legislative session by stating bolstering public safety is her number one priority, and she looks forward to the other bills working their way through the legislative process and reaching her desk.

Rep. Ensler sponsored this legislation in the last legislative session. It passed the House but failed to get to the floor in the Senate.