Alabama Sheriffs Association (ASA) director Robert ‘Bobby’ Timmons is coming under fire for his recent commentary on the new constitutional carry bills that have been set for debate in the Alabama legislature this year.
There are currently three bills that have been pre-filed in the Alabama House and Senate that would legalize permitless or “Constitutional Carry” in the state. This means citizens would be able to legally carry handguns without having to purchase a permit from their local Sheriff’s office.
In a recent 1819 report, Timmons was asked about his views on the Second Amendment, and Timmons commented that he believes that the amendment wasn’t meant to allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon. He believes the Second Amendment was written to allow citizens to defend their homes.
When asked if ASA would support amending the Constitution to limit the Second Amendment to only allowing firearms for the defense of a person’s home, Timmons told 1819, “Oh yeah. I’d be in favor of that. But, I mean, it would never get passed.”
Timmons argued that gun permits are a matter of public safety. He commented, “Absolutely without question for public safety just like a driver’s license, you need a driver’s license. If you don’t have a license, you can’t drive. If you don’t have a permit, you can’t carry a concealed gun.”
When asked if permits were a revenue stream for Alabama Sheriffs, Timmons agreed, stating, “It buys ammo, vehicles, and bulletproof vests. If you get rid of the permits, the taxpayers will have to pick up the bill.”
The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) has criticized the ASA for its opposition to Constitutional carry.
Shane Stringer introduced one of the bills currently being considered. Stringer argued that some sheriffs are trying to hold onto the fees, but said people shouldn’t have to pay to exercise a constitutional right.
“I don’t think we should be taxing people for carrying a gun,” Stringer said.
“I am a firm believer that law-abiding citizens should not be punished and forced to get a permit to carry a firearm when the criminal element is not.”
