American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)
Corporate bill mill that has spread "Stand Your Ground" and preemption laws to state legislatures nationwide
Overview
ALEC is not a traditional lobbying organization but a "model legislation" mill. It brings together corporations, including gun manufacturers, and state legislators to draft template bills that can be introduced in any state legislature. Gun industry participants have used ALEC to spread "Stand Your Ground" laws, concealed carry preemption bills, and protections for gun manufacturers.
After the Trayvon Martin killing in 2012 brought public attention to Stand Your Ground laws (which ALEC had spread to 28 states), ALEC disbanded its Public Safety and Elections task force, which had been the vehicle for gun-related model legislation. However, gun industry interests continue to intersect with ALEC's economic and civil justice task forces.
Key Personnel
Lisa Nelson
CEOHas led ALEC since 2014, steering it through the controversy over Stand Your Ground while maintaining corporate support.
Legislative Wins / Policy Impact
- Stand Your Ground model legislation — now law in 30+ states (statute); 38 states including court decisions (Giffords, 2025)
- Castle Doctrine model legislation
- Concealed carry preemption model bills in 40+ states