Alabama Lawmakers Approve Voluntary Gun Storage Bill for Suicide Prevention

The Alabama House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at creating temporary firearm hold agreements between gun owners and licensed gun dealers to help prevent suicides. The bill, known as the Houston-Hunter Act, named after two veterans who died by suicide, allows individuals to voluntarily store their firearms with dealers, offering them legal immunity for participating in the program. Supporters argue that this initiative is crucial for mental health and suicide prevention, as firearms have been the method of choice in a significant percentage of veteran suicides. The bill provides guidelines for the storage of firearms and ensures that the agreement is confidential and voluntary. Now approved by the House, the amended version will return to the Senate for final approval before heading to Governor Kay Ivey for a signature. This legislation is part of a broader effort to address mental health issues among Alabama veterans and promote safe firearm storage.