HB422 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

James O. Gordon

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Jamie IsonSteve McMillanAlan BakerChad FincherVictor GastonRandy DavisJames E. BuskeyYvonne KennedyJim Barton

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Mardi Gras, certain parades, civil immunity to certain participants under certain conditions

Summary

The bill would shield non-compensated Mardi Gras parade participants in Class 2 municipalities from civil liability for damages arising from parade participation, with certain exceptions, and it would place risk on spectators for items thrown during parades.

What This Bill Does

It would grant civil immunity to non-compensated participants in Mardi Gras parades held in Class 2 municipalities for damages caused by participating, unless the damage was caused by deliberate and wanton acts by the parade sponsor or participants. It would bar lawsuits against the krewe, organization, or society presenting the parade and their members for losses or damages related to the parade, with exceptions if the acts were deliberate or wanton or if a compensated employee operating a motor vehicle was involved. It clarifies that compensated employees remain liable for their own negligent acts. It also states that attendees at organized parades assume the risk of missiles, like beads and Moonpies, thrown during the parade hours (6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight). The act becomes effective immediately after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Non-compensated parade participants in Mardi Gras parades held in Class 2 municipalities, who would receive civil immunity for damages arising from participation.
• Krewe, organization, or society presenting Mardi Gras parades in Class 2 municipalities and their members, who would largely be shielded from civil actions for parade-related damages, with exceptions for deliberate/wanton acts or if a compensated employee was operating a vehicle.
• Compensated employees of krewe/organization/society, who would still be liable for their own individual negligent acts.
• Parade attendees/spectators, who would assume the risk of missiles thrown during parades (e.g., beads, cups, Moonpies, doubloons) between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight.

Key Provisions

• Civil immunity for non-compensated parade participants in Class 2 municipalities for damages caused by parade participation, unless caused by deliberate or wanton acts.
• No cause of action against krewe/organization/society or their members for parade-related losses/damages, with exceptions for deliberate/wanton acts or if a compensated employee operating a motor vehicle was involved; compensated employees remain liable for their own negligent acts.
• Compensated employees are not protected from liability for their own individual acts of negligence.
• Spectators attending organized parades assume the risk of missiles thrown during the parade, including items such as beads, Moonpies, and doubloons, within the specified hours.
• The act takes effect immediately after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Civil Procedure