1. (a) Notwithstanding any provision of state law to the contrary, the governing body of each two-year or four-year institution of higher education may adopt policies governing the possession of firearms or other weapons on grounds owned or controlled by the institution. The governing body may not adopt a policy in conflict with federal law.

2. (b) A policy adopted under subsection (a) shall allow for individuals not otherwise prohibited from possession of a firearm by state or federal law to possess a firearm and ammunition for that firearm in the individual’s privately owned motor vehicle while parked or operated on the grounds of the institution; provided, that the individual satisfies all of the following conditions:

   1. (1) If the firearm is a pistol, the individual is not generally prohibited from possession of a pistol by state or federal law.

   2. (2) If the firearm is any firearm legal for use for hunting in Alabama other than a pistol:

      1. a. The individual possesses a valid Alabama hunting license.
      2. b. The firearm is unloaded at all times on the grounds.
      3. c. It is during a season in which hunting is permitted by Alabama law or regulation.
      4. d. The individual has never been convicted of any crime of violence as that term is defined in Section 13A-11-70, nor of any crime set forth in Chapter 6 of Title 13A, nor is subject to a domestic violence protection order, as that term is defined in Section 13A-6-141.
      5. e. The individual has no documented prior incidents on the grounds of the institution involving the threat of physical injury or which resulted in physical injury to another.
   3. (3) The motor vehicle is operated or parked in a location where it is otherwise permitted to be.

   4. (4) The firearm is either of the following:

      1. a. In a motor vehicle attended by the individual, kept from ordinary observation within the individual’s motor vehicle.
      2. b. In a motor vehicle unattended by the individual, kept from ordinary observation and locked within a compartment, container, or in the interior of the individual’s privately owned motor vehicle or in a compartment or container securely affixed to the motor vehicle.
3. (c) It is the intent of the Legislature that constitutionally created boards of trustees of institutions of higher education comply with this section.

(Act 2022-133, §8.)