City of Montgomery Provides Updated Information on HB 450 Firearm Identification Bill

The City of Montgomery has released updated public information to help residents better understand HB 450, a proposed state bill that would require individuals possessing a firearm in certain municipalities, including Montgomery, to carry valid identification and present it during a lawful law-enforcement interaction.

HB 450 applies to Class 1 and Class 3 municipalities and would establish a Class C misdemeanor penalty for failing to possess valid identification while carrying a firearm in those jurisdictions. The legislation does not reinstate concealed carry permits, restrict firearm ownership, or authorize random ID checks by police. The City's goal is to ensure residents have access to clear, accurate information as the bill moves through the legislative process.

"Our responsibility is to make sure the people of Montgomery have clear, accurate information about legislation that affects their daily lives," said Mayor Steven Reed. "HB 450 is a state-level proposal, and our goal is to ensure residents understand what it does, and does not, do. Transparency and public safety go hand-in-hand, and we want every Montgomery resident to feel informed and supported."

The Montgomery Police Department (MPD) would enforce HB 450 only if enacted by the State Legislature. If the bill becomes law, MPD would update operational guidance, officer training, and public communication to ensure residents clearly understand the new requirements.

Residents can review the full FAQ below for a breakdown of what HB 450 would mean in practice.

• HB 450 would make it unlawful for an individual to possess a firearm in a Class 1 or Class 3 municipality without valid identification.
• Individuals must present valid identification upon request during a lawful interaction with law enforcement.
• Violations would be classified as a Class C misdemeanor.

• Class 1 municipality: Birmingham
• Class 3 municipalities: Montgomery and Huntsville
• The bill does not apply to all municipalities statewide.

• The offense would be a Class C misdemeanor.
• If the person later produces valid identification in court, the charge may be dismissed and may be eligible for expungement.

• No. The bill does not reinstate a concealed carry permit requirement.
• It focuses solely on requiring valid identification while possessing a firearm in the specified municipalities.

• Montgomery previously adopted a local ordinance requiring identification for concealed carry.
• That ordinance was repealed due to state firearm-preemption concerns.
• HB 450 is a state bill; if enacted, it would be state law and not subject to the same preemption issue.

If enacted:

• MPD would be responsible for enforcing the law as written.
• Officer training and operational updates may be required.
• Legal review would ensure compliance with constitutional search and seizure standards.
• Public communication may be needed to ensure residents understand the requirements.

• No. HB 450 has been introduced and assigned to committee, but it has not been enacted.

• No. HB 450 does not allow law enforcement to stop individuals solely to check ID.
• Identification must be presented only during a lawful stop or lawful police interaction.

• Yes. Valid out-of-state driver's licenses qualify as valid identification under Alabama Code Section 17-9-30(a).