MONTGOMERY, Ala.–Handgun-related legislation in one state and a gun-related court ruling in another have credit unions scrambling to adjust their practices and policies.
In a case involving a credit union, the Alabama Supreme Court has ruled a state law that banned the open carry of a gun on someone else's property is unconstitutional. The ruling followed an appeal by Jason Dean Tulley, 38, of a Jacksonville city court conviction for openly carrying a pistol on his hip while inside a branch of First Educators Credit Union in March of 2011. An off-duty police officer working security at the credit union told Tulley to leave the credit union and put the gun in his car. Tulley objected, noting he had a conceal carry permit, but eventually complied with the request. Tulley was charged days later.
Tulley was prosecuted in the City of Jacksonville municipal court for violating a state law – 13A-11-52 – that prohibited "carrying a pistol on premises not one's own or under his control," court records show.
Some analysts said the ruling is a victory for gun rights, while others said it only raises more questions for businesses such as credit unions that want to ban guns.
Meanwhile, in Maine, the state league is helping its member CUs to understand their options after the Maine legislature in July passed "An Act to Authorize the Carrying of Concealed Handguns Without a Permit.” Passage of the law now means that Maine is one of six states that does not require a permit to carry a concealed handgun. This law does not extend to other weapons, only handguns. The new law goes into effect in Maine on October 15.
"Under Maine law, it will still be illegal to possess a firearm on private property when prohibited by the property owner,” the Maine league quoted is director of Governmental Affairs, Elise Baldacci, as saying. “To prohibit a concealed weapon, a credit union can post a notice in its branch prohibiting the concealed carry of handguns. While not a requirement, your credit union has the option of posting a notice in the branch prohibiting the concealed carry of handguns in a similar fashion to notices prohibiting hats, sunglasses, and other items that could impede the safety of your staff and members while on the premises."
The league said that in response to the inquiries and requests for such signage from a number of credit unions, Synergent Direct Marketing Services has prepared a graphic in advance of the enactment of the new law.
The developments in Maine and Alabama come at the same time Texas’ credit unions are also wrestling with the issue, as CUToday.info reported here.