-- A proposed constitutional amendment would strengthen protections for gun ownership in Alabama.

Filed a week before the mass school shooting in Newtown, Conn., the bill is not a reaction to the

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But it would make the right to bear arms a "fundamental" one in the state's constitution and raise the burden of review for state courts to restrict that right.

"Any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny," it reads.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, said his intent is to bring state laws more inline with federal laws regarding gun ownership.

"If there's any question in state courts, it just takes the question away and makes it clear that is the level of review," he said.

If approved, the amendment would also add to the Alabama Constitution language barring international treaties or laws from interfering with the "fundamental right to bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state."

That language is intended to to counter what Jones described as "an on-again-off-again push" for some international treaties to impact the right to bear arms.

Questioned about the ongoing national debate over gun rights, Jones said, as a parent, he has the same thoughts and sadness as any parent would in reaction to the mass school shooting in Newtown.

He also said he has concerns about people with severe mental illness having access to weapons of any kind, but his support for the amendment is not diminished.

"I believe we have the right to defend ourselves and our homes and our families, so I don't plan on changing my position on that," Jones said.

The bills is filed for consideration during the 2013 session, which begins Feb. 5. As a constitutional amendment, it would require a statewide vote if approved by the Legislature.

Updated at 1:44 p.m. Dec. 29, 2012 to change the first day of 2013 legislative session to Feb. 5.