Alabamas new gun law allowing guns in vehicles at work takes effect Thursday

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Beginning Thursday, Alabamians with permits to carry concealed pistols may keep them locked in their cars while at work even if their employer prohibited it in the past.Workers with hunting licenses can also keep their unloaded rifles and shotguns locked in their vehicles while at work during hunting season. In both cases, the weapons must be out of sight.The changes are part of a new law, commonly called the “guns in the parking lot act.””The purpose of the law is to make sure the right of law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm and defend their families is clear,” said the laws sponsor, Republican Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale.

The law was passed the end of a legislative session that pitted the National Rifle Association and other gun rights advocates against business and law enforcement groups. Eventually, the Legislature passed a compromise that most found acceptable.A supporter of the law, House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, said, “Alabamians Second Amendment Rights are more secure than ever.” But Business Council of Alabama President William Canary called it “unnecessary legislation which erodes the property rights of businesses.”NRA spokeswoman Jacqueline Otto Isaacs said Tuesday more than a third of states have laws protecting the rights of employees to defend themselves on their daily commutes.

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