With the regular session of the Alabama Legislature under way, there is no room for junk bills that threaten to tie up valuable time with debates and emotional overload.

One such bill that could distract lawmakers from spending more time on addressing Medicaid, prisons, a lottery and education is a proposal from Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, that will waive the need to obtain a license to carry a concealed weapon. Law enforcement leaders across the state have deep concerns about the bill from financial and safety viewpoints.

Sheriffs have options on how to use revenue from license sales, but locally Sheriff Matt Gentry invests the money wisely into salaries for deputies who may work as school resource officers are other roles in the community.

Gentry and some sheriffs believe many of the people who purchase licenses to carry concealed guns will continue to buy the permits because Alabama has agreement with other states that honor the licenses across borders. This is important for those who travel to other states and feel the need to carry a gun. The revenue may stay largely intact in some counties, but there are no guarantees.

Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper is opposed to the bill because of the potential that abandoning the required license process will likely allow more unstable people to take advantage of the situation, thus endangering more citizens and law enforcement officers.

Across Alabama, ensuring the Second Amendment’s guarantee for the citizenry to own guns is taken seriously. The amendment has one of its strongest support bases in Alabama. Nevertheless, making a license options for concealment is not a Second Amendment issue. The requirement has been in place as a measure to allow seasoned law enforcement officials to closely evaluate those who apply.

The system has generally worked well for Alabama. Sheriffs typically have good insight through various checks and balances to determine when someone shouldn’t be allowed to carry a weapon in concealment.

Culpepper is also right to sound the alarm about a bill that’s perceived as something to make gun enthusiasts happy. Contrary to the bill is the fact that responsible gun owners understand the value of licensing for gun concealment. The licensing process is a way of recognizing that the owner who carries a gun is concealment is generally a trusted citizen who respects safety and order.

The Second Amendment remains a cherished and valuable foundation in the establishment of the United States. Laws that would erode the intent of the amendment certainly deserve deep scrutiny, but what is coming in the Alabama Senate poses a threat to the people who serve in law enforcement and protect our communities. If they are put in harm’s way by this unnecessary proposal, the danger for the citizens who support and trust law enforcement also increases.

The legislation proposed by Sen. Allen should be squashed for its risk of raising instability in Alabama.