HB479 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Hill

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Mac McCutcheon

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Civil immunity extended to peace officers contracted by sheriff on an off-duty basis to perform specific law enforcement activities related to an eviction order, Sec. 6-5-338 am'd.

Summary

The bill would extend tort immunity to off-duty peace officers contracted by sheriffs to enforce eviction orders, with new private-employer insurance requirements and specific exclusions.

What This Bill Does

It extends immunity from tort liability to peace officers who are contracted by a sheriff on an off-duty basis to carry out eviction-order related enforcement. The immunity covers these officers and the governmental units authorized to appoint peace officers, but does not extend to private individuals or private employers. Private employers that hire off-duty officers for private security must maintain at least $100,000 in liability insurance to indemnify the officer's acts within private employment, or else the employer and certain related parties could be personally liable for those acts. The measure takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

Who It Affects

• Off-duty peace officers contracted by sheriffs to perform eviction-order enforcement: would receive extended tort immunity for acts within their official duties.
• Governmental units or agencies authorized to appoint peace officers: immunity would apply to their contracted off-duty officers when performing eviction-related activities.
• Private, non-governmental employers of off-duty peace officers (e.g., private security firms or individuals): would not receive immunity; they must carry $100,000 in liability insurance and could be liable for acts of the officer in private employment if fail to maintain coverage.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 6-5-338 to extend immunity to peace officers contracted by a sheriff off-duty to perform eviction-order related activities.
• Immunity applies to peace officers and governmental units/agencies authorized to appoint peace officers; no immunity for private individuals or private employers.
• Private employers hiring off-duty officers for private security must have at least $100,000 in liability insurance indemnifying the officer's acts within private employment; failure results in personal liability for the employer and certain related parties.
• Effective date: first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Civil Procedure