MONTGOMERY — In the wake of mass shootings, including one in Birmingham that left four people dead, Gov. Kay Ivey and lawmakers from both parties are boosting legislation to ban Glock switches.
The legislation would also affect other conversion devices that make semi-automatic weapons fire like machine guns.
Ivey is opening this year’s legislative session with her State of the State address where she is expected to push the proposal.
“Governor Ivey supports getting dangerous Glock switches out of the hands of gangs and criminals,” said spokeswoman Gina Maiola. “Along with this measure, she will unveil several other public safety proposals that will support law enforcement and crack down on crime.
“She expects the package to have bipartisan support.”
Democrats have long supported the bans but their bills died in the Republican-dominated Legislature.
Rep. Phillip Ensler has filed legislation that would make possession of the devices a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
“These devices, they wreak havoc,” said Ensler (D-Montgomery). “We can’t bring lives back, but we can try to save some lives moving forward.”
Ensler’s bill passed in the House last year but the session ended before it could be voted on in the Senate.
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