Two year colleges will continue to prohibit firearms

The Alabama Community College System, including both the Gadsden, Anniston and Centre campuses of Gadsden State Community College will continue to enforce an existing prohibition against unauthorized firearms at its campuses. Chancellor Mark Heinrich has encouraged college presidents to post signs at all public entrances for campus buildings and discuss the issue with local law enforcement.  The new law, which went into effect Thursday, primarily applies to where and how gun owners in the state may carry or transport their firearms.

The law allows a lawful gun owner to openly carry firearms in public places, with certain exceptions, and on private property with consent.

Concealed-carry permit holders are allowed to have handguns on public and private property, with some exceptions. The new law also allows for firearms, under certain conditions, to be stored securely in vehicles in parking lots.

St. Clair County District Attorney Richard Minor, president of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, said he believes universities would still have the ultimate say about firearms on their campuses under the new law. He said whether a gun owner's rights trump universities' authority will likely be a question for the courts.

Minor added there are other state and federal laws governing firearms that may come into play. The new law lists facilities where professional, collegiate or other athletic events are hosted among places where gun owners, including concealed-carry permit holders, are prohibited from possessing or carrying a firearm without express permission from authorities overseeing the location.