Alabama gun law may complicate concealed weapons permits

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Many Alabama sheriffs are seeing more young people ages 18 to 20 seek permits to carry concealed handguns now that a new state gun law makes it tougher to deny them. The Alabama Sheriffs Association's executive director says sheriffs could ignore a pistol permit application in the past if they thought someone was too immature to get one. But that changed under the new law that took effect Aug. 1. Bobby Timmons says sheriffs now have to process the application and, if they deny it, they must give written reasons that will stand up in court. Barry Matson of the Alabama District Attorneys Association has advised sheriffs to check with parents, school officials and juvenile probation officers if they have questions about the maturity of a young applicant.