Bill > HB7

This bill amends existing Alabama law to better define and penalize terrorist threats, particularly within school settings. It clarifies that a "credible threat" is a statement or action that would make a reasonable person fear for their safety or the safety of another, and it expands the definition of property that can be the target of such threats to include hospitals and nursing homes. The bill increases penalties for making a terrorist threat in the first degree, making it a Class B felony, and establishes that making a terrorist threat in the second degree can be a Class D felony if the offender has a prior conviction or commits a repeat offense within a year. Importantly, it mandates that school principals must immediately contact law enforcement upon learning of a terrorist threat and requires immediate suspension of a student accused of making such a threat, with a ban from school property for at least one year or until charges are dismissed, and a requirement for psychiatric evaluation and counseling before readmission. Furthermore, students convicted or adjudicated of making a terrorist threat will be expelled and ordered to pay restitution to law enforcement, emergency services, and the school system for costs incurred, with a maximum restitution amount of $10,000.

Justice

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search