SB274 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shadrack McGill

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Impersonation of another by electronic means, crime established, definition, penalties

Summary

SB274 creates a new crime of impersonating another person online or by electronic means, punished as a Class B misdemeanor.

What This Bill Does

It would make credibly impersonating someone online or through electronic means illegal if done without consent and with the intent to harm, threaten, intimidate, or defraud. A credible impersonation is one that a reasonable person would believe is the real person. Electronic means include creating or using an account or profile on a social networking site in someone else's name. The bill also notes it is exempt from certain local-funding requirements and sets an effective date for when it would take effect.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who impersonate someone online or via electronic means (charged with a Class B misdemeanor).
• Individuals who are targets of online impersonation, including those harmed, threatened, intimidated, or defrauded.

Key Provisions

• Establishes impersonation of another by electronic means as a crime when done knowingly without consent to harm, threaten, intimidate, or defraud.
• Defines 'credible impersonation' as a situation where a reasonable person would believe the impersonated person is real.
• Specifies electronic means include opening or using an account or profile on a social networking site in another person's name.
• Classifies the offense as a Class B misdemeanor.
• States the bill is excluded from certain local-funding requirements because it defines a new crime or amends a crime definition.
• Effective on the first day of the third month following passage and governor's 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