This week Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law two laws that were a part of the Safe Alabama public safety package she is pushing.

The first bill, SB116, imposes a state ban on illegal machine gun conversion devices in the state. While there is already a federal ban on these devices, Ivey said it was imperative that the state pass its own ban.

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

The bill was sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot and Rep. Phillip Ensler. 

On Friday, Ivey also announced the singing of the Officer Impersonation Prevention Act, which enhances the current laws regarding the offense of impersonating a police officer. It eliminates a loophole that previously allowed unqualified individuals to unlawfully serve as law enforcement officers. 

“Safeguarding the law enforcement profession is just plain common sense, and bolstering the existing law here adds one more tool in our toolbox,” Ivey said. “Every Alabamian deserves to know that the men and women entrusted with enforcing our laws are fully qualified and properly certified. 

“Not only are we building public trust in the men and women who serve, but we are also working to better protect them and enable them to do their jobs more effectively through legislation like our Back the Blue bill, House Bill 202, working its way through the process. I look forward to all our public safety bills reaching my desk, so we can create a safer Alabama.” 

The bill was sponsored by State Sen. Clyde Chambliss and Rep. Ron Bolton. Both SB116 and the Officer Impersonation Prevention Act are a part of Ivey’s Safe Alabama public safety package that she is pushing this year.