Governor Ivey Signs Houston Hunter Act
SB40 creates the SAFER program to attempt to reduce Veteran suicides
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed SB40 into law on Monday, April 7, establishing the Storing Ammunition and Firearms to Enhance Resilience Together (SAFER) Program. This initiative promotes voluntary and temporary firearm storage to help reduce suicide rates among residents, particularly veterans.
The legislation, known as the Houston Hunter Act, honors Army veteran Houston Tumlin and Marine veteran Hunter Whitley, both of whom died by suicide. Their mothers, Michelle Tumlin and Shannon Whitley, attended the signing ceremony.
“Safety and security for veterans is one of my top priorities, just as they have protected and taken care of us,” said Governor Ivey. “SB40 paves the way for Alabama to continue being the number one state for veteran care, quality of life and ensuring that veterans are equipped with the best mental health resources.”
The SAFER Program facilitates firearm hold agreements between individuals and federal firearm licensees (FFLs), allowing those experiencing mental health crises to temporarily store their firearms securely. This measure aims to prevent suicides by creating a safe environment for individuals in distress.
This law is part of Alabama’s broader initiative, Alabama’s Challenge for Preventing Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, which seeks to address the stigma surrounding mental illness among veterans. In 2022, 139 veterans in Alabama died by suicide, a rate higher than the national veteran average and significantly above the national civilian average. Notably, over 85% of these suicides involved a firearm.
Veterans seeking suicide prevention resources in Alabama can find more information, including a list of service providers and crisis center locations, at vetsforhope.com. Veterans in crisis can dial 988 and press 1 to speak with someone immediately.
