HB509 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve HurstRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Law enforcement officers, fleeing or attempting to elude, injury or death to law enforcement officer included in felony enhancement provision of law, Sec. 13A-10-52 am'd.; Act 2009-616, 2009 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Summary

HB509 expands the felony enhancement for fleeing or eluding to include harming a law enforcement officer, making certain cases a Class C felony with license suspension.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds that if fleeing or eluding a police officer results in death or physical injury to an innocent bystander, a third party, or a law enforcement officer, the offense becomes a Class C felony. It also requires the court to suspend the defendant's driver's license for a period of 6 months to 2 years. An exception applies so these penalties do not apply if the officer is in an unmarked vehicle. The law would take effect immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• People who flee from a law enforcement officer and cause death or injury (including to officers and bystanders), who would face a Class C felony instead of a lesser charge.
• Law enforcement officers, who gain stronger protection under the enhanced penalties and are subject to the unmarked-vehicle exception rule.

Key Provisions

• Includes causing death or physical injury to a law enforcement officer in the felony enhancement for fleeing or eluding, making such cases a Class C felony.
• Adds mandatory driver’s license suspension for the offender, ranging from not less than six months to not more than two years.
• Keeps an exception: penalties do not apply if the officer is in an unmarked vehicle.
• Excludes the bill from Amendment 621 requirements because it defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime, and thus becomes effective immediately after 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

Crimes and Offenses