MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 40 into law on Monday, a measure aimed at reducing suicide rates among Alabamians, particularly veterans, by promoting voluntary and temporary firearm storage. The bipartisan legislation was sponsored by State Senator Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) and State Representative Russell Bedsole (R-Alabaster).
Senator Kelley spoke with the Calhoun Journal following the signing and shared, “It was an honor to carry this bill, and I just so greatly appreciate these mothers’ willingness to work and be the spearhead for this legislation. With the pain that they have had, they’re putting in so much time and effort to make sure others don’t go through the same pain that they have. They’ve taken a bad situation and a difficult situation and embraced what it could be—so that other mothers don’t go through what they went through. I just think that’s a huge testimony, not only to the mothers but to the young men themselves.”
The new law establishes firearm hold agreements between individuals and federally licensed firearm dealers, creating the SAFER (Storing Ammunition and Firearms to Enhance Resilience Together) Program. The initiative is designed to offer a temporary option for individuals—especially those facing a mental health crisis—to voluntarily store firearms in a secure location, potentially reducing access during vulnerable periods.
The legislation is named the Houston Hunter Act, in memory of Army veteran Houston Tumlin and Marine veteran Hunter Whitley, both of whom died by suicide. Their mothers, Michelle Tumlin and Shannon Whitley, were present during the bill signing.
Governor Ivey was joined by several state leaders at the signing ceremony, including Major General David Pritchett of the Alabama National Guard, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Jeff Newton, and Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell.
“Safety and security for veterans is one of my top priorities, just as they have protected and taken care of us,” Governor Ivey stated. “SB40 paves the way for Alabama to continue being the number one state for veteran care, quality of life and ensuring that veterans are equipped with the best mental health resources.”
The legislation stems from recommendations made by the Alabama Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee and supports broader statewide efforts like Alabama’s Challenge for Preventing Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, which seeks to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care.
According to available data, 139 Alabama veterans died by suicide in 2022—an incidence rate higher than both the national veteran and civilian averages. More than 85% of those deaths involved a firearm.
Veterans and their families can find additional mental health resources, including firearm safety guidance and support service directories, at vetsforhope.com.
