This bill would do the following:
- amend the crimes of riot and inciting to riot and would establish the crimes of aggravated riot and unlawful traffic interference.
- include a mandatory period of incarceration to serve that is not subject to probation or parole.
- provide that when a person commits the crime of harassment on or within 10 feet of the premises of a place of public accommodation, the person is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
This bill would also:
- provide that if a political subdivision of the state dissolves or defunds a local law enforcement agency, the political subdivision may not receive any state grant or aid money and may not receive any allocation of any state revenues directly shared with local governments.
- provide that members of the governing body of a political subdivision of the state who defund a local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction may be held civilly liable for crimes of violence that occur in the political subdivision under certain conditions.
Our Position
We oppose this bill.
Status
On March 16, HB 445 passed out of the House Judiciary Committee with one amendment and was sent to the Alabama House. On March 18, HB 445 passed out of the Alabama House with a 74-25-1 vote count. It was sent to the Alabama Senate where it pended floor action. On May 17, HB 445 failed due to the legislative session being officially declared "sine die", or in other words finished.
News
- 3/18/2021 - Alabama House approves bill changing riot definition [Montgomery Advertiser]
- 3/16/2021 - Alabama House committee approves bill changing rioting definition [Montgomery Advertiser]
- 3/16/2021 - Alabama riot bill moves forward, opponents say it threatens free speech, peaceful protest [AL.com]
- 3/9/2021 - Alabama House committee delays bill that would expand definition of rioting [Montgomery Advertiser]
Related Content
For More Information
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Page last revised: May 21, 2021