Montgomery, AL – March 19, 2025 – In a decisive move to bolster public safety, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 116 (SB116) into law, officially banning illegal machine gun conversion devices, widely referred to as “Glock switches,” within the state. The bill, introduced by Senator Will Barfoot and Representative Phillip Ensler, aligns state legislation with current federal laws, creating stronger enforcement capabilities at the local and state levels.
The devices, often small and easily concealable, are capable of modifying semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. Their illegal use has grown in recent years, presenting a rising threat to law enforcement officers and communities alike. While federal regulations have long outlawed such conversion tools, state officials and law enforcement agencies lacked sufficient legal backing to crack down independently within Alabama.
Governor Ivey: “We’re Taking Action to Get These Dangerous Devices Off Our Streets”
Upon signing the bill, Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of acting at the state level to support the broader fight against gun violence.
“While there is a federal ban on these gun conversion devices, we needed a way to empower our own law enforcement here in Alabama to get these illegal and extremely dangerous Glock switches off our streets,” she stated. “I am proud to support law enforcement and work to combat crime by putting my signature on SB116.”
Governor Ivey has made public safety a cornerstone of her administration. The enactment of SB116 comes as part of her wider Safe Alabama initiative, a legislative campaign aimed at reducing crime, strengthening law enforcement support, and enhancing public security infrastructure across the state.
Support from Law Enforcement and State Leaders
Hal Taylor, Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), voiced strong support for the new legislation, underlining its value in helping law enforcement operate more effectively.
“Today, I want to thank Governor Kay Ivey for her unwavering leadership in signing Senate Bill 116 into law,” Taylor said. “This important legislation further strengthens our commitment to public safety by banning machine gun conversion devices at the state level.”
Taylor added that while these devices are already illegal under federal statutes, the new law will significantly enhance local officers’ ability to act quickly and decisively when such devices are encountered in the field.
“The enactment of this state law provides local law enforcement with the additional tools necessary to protect the people of Alabama and reduce the risk of gun violence in our communities,” he explained.
In addition to praising Governor Ivey, Taylor expressed gratitude toward lawmakers Sen. Will Barfoot and Rep. Phillip Ensler for sponsoring and pushing forward this key legislation. Their bipartisan effort demonstrates that public safety remains a shared priority across party lines.
“The passage of SB116 sends a strong message that we will not tolerate the unlawful conversion of firearms,” Taylor emphasized. “We will continue to stand together for the safety and security of our citizens.”
Glock Switches: Small Devices, Big Dangers
Glock switches—also known as auto sears—are often no bigger than a coin, yet they enable a handgun to fire at rates similar to a fully automatic machine gun, unleashing dozens of bullets per second. The sheer velocity and loss of control associated with these modifications make them exceptionally dangerous in civilian environments.
The presence of these devices in the hands of criminals has been linked to an alarming spike in shootings and fatalities across several U.S. cities in recent years. Law enforcement officers and first responders often face increased risk when encountering modified firearms, especially in surprise or ambush situations.
By criminalizing possession, sale, and use of these switches under Alabama state law, SB116 enables more direct intervention by police departments and local authorities. It also facilitates quicker legal action against offenders, who might otherwise have only faced federal charges requiring lengthier investigation and processing.
A Piece of a Larger Public Safety Puzzle
The implementation of SB116 is part of a comprehensive approach Governor Ivey has committed to pursuing during the 2025 legislative session. Her Safe Alabama agenda includes policies ranging from enhanced school security, investment in police training and equipment, to reforms in sentencing and crime prevention programs.
“Strengthening public safety is my top priority this session,” Ivey reiterated during the signing ceremony. “SB116 is just the beginning. We’re going to continue working with our law enforcement community and legislators to make Alabama a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Governor Ivey’s administration has also been active in securing federal funds for community policing, crime data systems, and mental health support for at-risk populations, all aimed at addressing crime from multiple angles.
Conclusion: A Bold Step for Safer Communities
The signing of SB116 is being hailed as a major step forward in protecting Alabamians from the dangers of illegally modified firearms. By giving local law enforcement the authority and legal backing to act swiftly, Alabama is positioning itself as a leader among Southern states in proactively addressing gun crime.
As crime prevention remains a national concern, especially with the rising accessibility of illegal gun modifications through online marketplaces and 3D printing, laws like SB116 are seen as crucial tools in modern policing.
Alabama residents can now feel a greater sense of safety knowing their state is actively working to close the legal gaps and stand behind its law enforcement agencies with actionable support.
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