HB177 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mac McCutcheon

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Randy WoodDuwayne BridgesRichard J. Laird

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Law enforcement officers, assaults of while performing lawful duty, classified as assault in the second degree, to include off-duty officers employed by a private entity, Sec. 13A-6-21 am'd.

Summary

HB177 would treat off-duty peace officers employed by private entities as peace officers performing lawful duty, making assaults against them a second-degree (Class C) felony.

What This Bill Does

Defines off-duty peace officers employed by private entities as peace officers performing lawful duties when they wear an approved uniform and have employer approval. Expands assault in the second degree to include offenses against these officers when someone intends to prevent them from performing their duties, or causes injury in the process. Also covers assaults on other specified workers (such as teachers and health care workers, EMS, detention/correctional officers, and firefighters) in certain contexts, with safeguards noted for private residences and medication-related cases. States the bill would involve new or increased local expenditures but is exempt from local funding voting requirements due to specified exceptions, and would become law immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Off-duty peace officers employed by private entities (they would be recognized as peace officers performing lawful duty when in an approved uniform with employer approval).
• People who assault these officers or try to prevent them from performing their lawful duties would face assault in the second degree (Class C felony).

Key Provisions

• Adds off-duty, private-entity peace officers to the definition of peace officers performing lawful duty when in an approved uniform with employer approval.
• Reconfigures assault in the second degree to include acts intended to prevent such officers from performing lawful duties, with specific contexts including other public safety workers and school/healthcare settings.
• Notes the bill would require new or increased local expenditures under Amendment 621 but is exempt from those requirements due to exceptions, and becomes effective immediately upon the governor's approval.
• Effective date: immediately following passage and governor’s approval (i.e., becomes law promptly).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Law Enforcement Officers