Bill > HB51

This bill amends Alabama's criminal code to modify laws regarding assault in the second degree and harassment, primarily by updating language and expanding protections for certain professionals. The bill replaces the word "person" with "individual" throughout the text and adds new categories of protected individuals, including current or former public officials, to the assault in the second degree statute. For assault in the second degree, the bill expands the list of protected professionals to include public officials and clarifies provisions related to off-duty peace officers. In the harassment section, the bill adds a provision that if the victim is a public official, the offense becomes a Class B misdemeanor instead of a Class C misdemeanor. The bill also provides more detailed definitions for terms like "utility worker" and "health care worker" and specifies that harassment includes threats that would cause a reasonable individual to fear for their safety. Additionally, the bill clarifies that legitimate business telephone communications are exempt from harassment provisions. The changes are set to become effective on October 1, 2026, and aim to provide more comprehensive legal protections for various professionals and individuals in specific circumstances.

Justice

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