After a violent year marked by multiple mass shootings in Alabama, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey and many lawmakers from both parties are backing a proposed ban on so-called Glock switches and other conversion devices that make semi-automatic weapons fire like machine guns. Ivey is expected to push that proposal Tuesday as part of a broader package of public safety bills in her State of the State address.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed held a press conference Tuesday addressing public safety efforts. Montgomery Police Chief Jim Grayboys made opening remarks.
The news conference also called on state lawmakers to enact gun legislation. Alabama has one of the highest rates of gun violence in the U.S. In 2022, there were 1,278 gun-related deaths in Alabama, which was the fourth-highest gun death rate in the country.
Cellphone Ban
Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday during her state of the state address announced her support for legislation introduced on the first day of the 2025 legislative session prohibiting the use of smart phones and other wireless communication devices in Alabama public schools.
The legislation introduced on February 4, 2025, by Senator Donnie Chesteen and Representative Leigh Hulsey will implement a statewide ban on the use of cell phones on public school campuses during times of instruction except as determined by local boards of education.
