Alabama Senate Unanimously Passes Ban on Glock Switches
Democrats and Republicans alike backed the measure, signaling a shared concern over violent crime.
The Alabama Senate has unanimously approved a bill to ban "Glock switches," devices that modify semiautomatic firearms to fire automatically. With a 28-0 vote, the legislation now heads to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass with broad support.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), makes it illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture these conversion devices in Alabama. While federal law already prohibits them, this state-level measure allows local law enforcement to prosecute offenders more effectively.
“Criminals are getting their hands on these devices and turning legal firearms into deadly automatic weapons,” Barfoot said. “This legislation gives law enforcement the tools they need to get these off the streets.”
Democrats and Republicans alike backed the measure, signaling a shared concern over violent crime. Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) called the bill “a commonsense measure” to protect public safety.
Governor Kay Ivey, who has made law enforcement a key priority for the 2025 legislative session, voiced her support as well. “We need to make sure our officers have every tool available to keep Alabamians safe,” she said.
Law enforcement officials have warned about the growing threat of Glock switches, which allow handguns to fire at a rate similar to machine guns. Officers say these devices make shootings more dangerous, as they can lead to unpredictable and indiscriminate gunfire.
With the bill clearing the Senate, the focus now shifts to the House. If approved, Alabama will join other states in outlawing these modifications, giving law enforcement another tool to combat rising gun violence.
Sources: AP News, Senate Republicans
