Alabama lawmaker proposes pro-gun amendment

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama legislator has proposed a measure that would make the right to bear arms a fundamental right in the Alabama Constitution. That right is already in the U.S. Constitution as the Second Amendment. Republican Rep. Mike Jones of Andalusia told the Web site al.com his proposal would allow state voters to make it part of the state constitution. He said this would make it more difficult for state courts to restrict the right to gun ownership. Jones said if approved his proposal would also add language to the Alabama Constitution barring international treaties or laws from interfering with the right to bear arms. The proposed amendment will be considered by lawmakers during the 2013 session that begins Feb. 5