Gov. Ivey Signs “Safe Alabama” Bills, Bans Glock‑Switches, Broadens Police Immunity

On Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey ceremonially signed the “Safe Alabama” public‑safety package. With it, she made owning so-called Glock-switches a state crime and gave law enforcement wider legal protection.

One bill outlaws devices that turn semi‑automatic guns into fully automatic ones, like the infamous Glock-switch. The measure follows a mass shooting in Birmingham last year and adds a state-level punch: possession now brings a Class C felony penalty—up to 10 years behind bars and a $15,000 fine.

Ivey called Alabama “the most pro‑law‑enforcement state in the nation.” She said, “Public safety is important. We’ve taken steps to make it easier for police and law enforcement to do their jobs and do it effectively.”

Another bill expands legal immunity for officers. It allows judges to block lawsuits unless force used was “reckless” or “constitutionally excessive.” That protection starts October 1.

Hal Taylor, secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, praised the change:

“If I do my job properly… now, they’ve got something to know, that somebody’s there with them to back them if they do have a use‑of‑force case?... It’s a game‑changer for us.”

Still, not everyone’s on board. Rep. Curtis Travis (D‑Tuscaloosa) warned that this could invite the wrong folks:

“Just hiring people… whose attitude and position will not follow what you will strive for as a proper law enforcement” .

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said both parties reviewed it and agreed it’d help keep officers on the force:

“I think that one’s positive… We’ve had some issues in metropolitan areas where crime has spiked, at a point where it’s hurt recruiting businesses and bringing industry into the state.”

Another part of the package broadens “Aniah’s Law,” letting judges refuse bail in more violent crime cases.

Governor Ivey, 80, pushed public safety as her top goal for the 2025 session. She said, “A safe Alabama is a secure future for Alabama.”