SB211 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tammy Irons

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Vivian Davis FiguresGeorge M. “Marc” KeaheyBobby D. SingletonPriscilla DunnLinda Coleman-MadisonQuinton RossRodger SmithermanWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyJerry L. Fielding

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Domectic violence, protection orders, violations, mandatory term of imprisonment increased, jurisdiction extended to orders issued by Indian tribes and U. S. territories, domestic Violence Protection Order Enforcement Act, Secs. 30-5A-1, 30-5A-2, 30-5A-3, 30-5A-4 amended and renumbered as 13A-6-140, 13A-6-141, 13A-6-142, 13A-6-143

Summary

SB211 creates the Domestic Violence Protection Order Enforcement Act, expands enforcement of protective orders to include orders from other states, tribes, and U.S. territories, and increases penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new article (Domestic Violence Protection Order Enforcement Act) that defines what counts as a domestic violence order and what constitutes a violation. It sets penalties for violation: a first violation is a Class A misdemeanor; a second conviction carries a minimum of 30 days in jail (not suspendable); a third or subsequent conviction carries a minimum of 120 days in jail (not suspendable). It gives police authority to arrest for violations with probable cause, allows orders to be stored electronically, and treats officer knowledge of the order as prima facie evidence; if the defendant has not been notified, officers must inform them and allow a reasonable opportunity to comply, recording the notice in the report. It extends enforcement to orders from other states/territories (and by implication tribal and U.S. territories) and renumbers existing related sections into new code references, with an effective date set after passage.

Who It Affects

• Victims and family members protected by domestic violence orders, who gain clearer, cross-jurisdiction enforcement and stronger protection when orders come from other states, tribes, or U.S. territories.
• Individuals subject to domestic violence orders (defendants), who face stricter penalties for violations and specific arrest and notice procedures by law enforcement.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Domestic Violence Protection Order Enforcement Act (Article 7A) and defines key terms like 'domestic violence order' and 'violation'.
• Defines which orders are protected, including those from Alabama courts and those from other states/territories that can be enforced under existing cross-jurisdictional provisions; notes that non-PFA orders must show a history of violence for applicability.
• Violating a domestic violence order is a Class A misdemeanor; a second violation carries a minimum of 30 days in jail (not suspendable); a third or subsequent violation carries a minimum of 120 days in jail (not suspendable).
• Law enforcement can arrest for violations with probable cause; orders may be stored electronically; knowledge of the order by an officer constitutes prima facie evidence of its validity; presentation of a certified copy is not required for enforcement.
• If a defendant has not been notified of the order, officers must inform them and allow a reasonable opportunity to comply before enforcing, and document notice in the report.
• Sections 30-5A-1 through 30-5A-4 are amended and renumbered to 13A-6-140 through 13A-6-143; the act clarifies enforcement across multiple jurisdictions, including tribal and U.S. territories, and specifies effective timing.

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