Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signs bill banning devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — On Wednesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed into law a bill banning Glock switches and other conversion devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Ensler and Sen. Will Barfoot, was approved by Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday.

“The hope is that we deter people in the first place,” Ensler said prior to the bill’s passage. “If they know that there’s a state level ban, and they know that Alabama is taking it seriously, hopefully, it’ll stop people from having these in the first place.”

The push for a state law banning conversion devices increased following multiple mass shootings in the state last year.

“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. I am proud to support law enforcement and work to combat crime by putting my signature on SB116,” Gov. Ivey wrote.

The measure takes effect immediately.