HB279 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy Davis

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Harry ShiverJoe FaustSteve McMillan

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Harrassing communication, crime of, lewd or obscene language, crime made a Class C felony if defendant 25 or over and victim 15 or under, Sec. 13A-11-8 am'd.

Summary

HB279 would make harassing communications involving lewd language a Class C felony if the caller is 25 or older and the victim is 15 or younger.

What This Bill Does

It upgrades the penalty for the specific case of harassing communications from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class C felony when the offender is 25+ and the victim is 15 or younger. It keeps other harassing communications as a Class C misdemeanor. It also includes language about local-funds rules (Amendment 621) stating the bill is exempt because it creates or amends a crime, and it becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• Adults 25 years old or older who commit harassing communications with lewd or obscene language toward a child 15 years old or younger (potential felony).
• Children 15 years old or younger who are the victims of such harassing communications (greater protection; potential felony charges for the offender).

Key Provisions

• Creates a Class C felony for harassing communications when the offender is 25+ and the victim is 15 or younger, in cases involving lewd or obscene language.
• Remains that harassing communications are generally a Class C misdemeanor in all other cases.
• States the bill is exempt from local-funds requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one; becomes effective immediately upon the governor's signature.

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

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses