HB219 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve HurstRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Mike BallRandy WoodDuwayne BridgesRichard J. LairdAlan BootheLynn Greer

Session

Regular Session 2011

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.; Act 2010-565, 2010 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Summary

HB219 expands the second-degree assault crime to include off-duty peace officers working for private entities and strengthens protections for teachers, health care workers, and other essential workers while they perform their duties.

What This Bill Does

Defines assault in the second degree to apply in additional situations, including when off-duty peace officers employed by private or public entities are performing lawful duties in approved uniforms with employer approval. Specifies that certain assaults against teachers, health care workers, utility workers, emergency medical personnel, and other designated public employees while they are performing their duties can be charged as second-degree assault (a Class C felony). Provides that off-duty status does not change workers' compensation or municipal tort liability considerations, and clarifies rules regarding off-duty peace officers. States the act creates a new crime/definition of crime and is exempt from the local-funds requirement, with immediate effect upon the governor's approval.

Who It Affects

• Private-entity or contracted off-duty peace officers: treated as peace officers performing lawful duties when serving in approved uniforms, affecting how assaults against them are charged.
• Teachers, health care workers, and other public/essential service workers (e.g., utility workers, emergency medical personnel): receive expanded protection; assaults against them during the performance of duties could be charged as second-degree assault.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-6-21 to create/expand Assault in the Second Degree to include off-duty peace officers working for private or public entities in approved uniforms as performing lawful duties.
• Adds specific scenarios (e.g., harming teachers, health care workers, utility workers, emergency medical personnel) where intentional or reckless injury can qualify as second-degree assault and outlines use of deadly weapons or dangerous instruments.
• Declares that off-duty status does not alter workers' compensation or municipal tort liability protections, and clarifies the scope of liability for municipalities in relation to off-duty officers.
• Explicitly states the act is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funds requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Effective date: immediate after the Governor signs the bill.

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