Ala. Lawmaker Wants OK For Loaded Guns In Cars

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – A Tuscaloosa lawmaker says people should be able to keep their loaded handguns in their vehicles without having to get a concealed-carry permit.

Republican Sen. Gerald Allen of Tuscaloosa says he will introduce legislation in the upcoming March legislative session to allow loaded handguns in cars.

Allen says people should have a right to keep a handgun in their car just as they do in their home.

The Tuscaloosa lawmaker says the change would bring Alabama in line with other Southern states. However, lawmakers rejected similar legislation last year after some law enforcement officials objected.

People can currently carry a handgun in a vehicle without a permit, but it has to be unloaded, locked away and out of reach. People can also carry loaded rifles and shotguns without a permit.