Alabama legislators are eyeing a new bill that would allow minors to legally possess firearms with the permission of an adult or guardian, though some law enforcement professionals worry the current version of the bill has a few questions that need to be clarified.

Proposed bills SB 262 and HB 328 aim to change Alabama’s handgun regulations to allow a person under 18 years of age to possess a pistol so long as they have the consent of a parent, guardian or spouse who is 18 years of age or older. State law currently does not allow anyone under 18 years of age to possess a handgun. Both bills are currently in committee.

Co-sponsor Corey Harbison (R-Cullman) said the bill is intended to allow parents or guardians the legal opportunity to give their children proper handgun training or to allow them to hunt with supervision — but some law enforcement officials worry the phrasing of the current draft offers too much leeway.

The bill in its current form would allow a minor to possess a handgun with parental consent, so long as they are in the presence of anyone over the age of 18. It also allows a minor to possess a weapon to hunt, have firearm safety training, compete in shooting competitions or possess the weapon on property owned or leased by their parents or guardians.

But, it’s that initial, largely open condition requiring only the presence of any person over the age of 18 that is giving some law enforcement officials pause.

“I’m concerned with the bill and have questions,” Cullman police chief Kenny Culpepper said. “Specifically, the section that allows anyone over 18 years of age as a supervisor, without specifying that person’s qualifications or disqualification’s to be the adult overseeing this. I absolutely support the right of a parent or guardian to take a child hunting, or to teach them gun safety, but this just has some questions I’d really like to see answered first.”

When reached Wednesday in Montgomery, Harbison said the intent of the bill is to make it legal for parents to train their children in proper handgun safety.

“What we’re trying to accomplish, just like my dad did and a lot of folks around my district have done, is to let parents take their children out for target practice to properly teach them how to handle a pistol,” he said. “Right now, it’s illegal under state law if that child is under 18. What we’ve done is added in a section so that would allow it so long as the minor has the consent of a parent, guardian or spouse to possess a pistol. Some of these folks have made it out like we’re trying to hand kids pistols and turn them loose, but there are very strict guidelines.”

When asked about the section of the bill that would allow a minor to carry a pistol in the presence of anyone over the age of 18 — assuming they already have parental permission — Harbison said that could be an area of the bill that needs to be better explored before moving forward.

“I think the intent of this bill is good, and it’s basically to allow what most Alabamians do on a regular basis, which are these key things of target shooting, hunting, and competing in competitions,” he said. “I do think it needs to be stressed they have to be doing these things to possess that firearm. There is always room for amendments to bills to improve them and make them better. I think before this bill gets passed, we need to make sure that’s clear.”

HB 328 is sponsored by Representatives Ed Henry, Micky Hammon, Barry Moore and Corey Harbison in the House. The similar senate version SB 262 is sponsored by Senators Arthur Orr, Greg Reed and Clay Scofield. A message left for Henry was not returned by deadline of this article.

Along with opening handgun rights up to minors, the bill also eliminates certain record-keeping requirements for gun sales. Gun sales must still be reported to the state and federal government.