SB302 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Gerald O. Dial Clay Scofield Phillip W. Williams Dick Brewbaker Greg J. Reed Jimmy Holley Del Marsh J.T. Waggoner Gerald H. Allen Tom Whatley
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Crime of Looting, established, penalties, violation would be Class C felony
Summary: SB302 creates a new crime of looting during a governor-declared state of emergency, punishable as a Class C felony.
What This Bill Does
It creates the crime of looting when someone intentionally enters or remains in a building or property during a state of emergency with the intent to commit a crime and takes, damages, or removes property without permission. Looting would be a Class C felony. The law provides broad definitions for what counts as a 'Building' and what counts as a 'State of Emergency' and clarifies that the offense applies during such emergencies, in addition to other possible charges. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval, and the bill is treated as creating a new crime, exempting it from certain local-funding rules under Amendment 621.

Who It Affects
Individuals who loot during a governor-declared state of emergency would face a Class C felony.
Property owners, businesses, and communities in areas under a state of emergency, along with law enforcement and prosecutors who enforce and prosecute looting cases.

Key Provisions
Creates the crime of looting during a state of emergency declared by the Governor.
Defines 'Building' broadly to include structures, vehicles, and equipment used for lodging or business, and treats multi-unit buildings as separate units.
Defines 'State of Emergency' to cover a wide range of disaster or peril conditions beyond local control.
Makes looting a Class C felony and clarifies it can be charged alongside other offenses.
States the bill is treated as creating a new crime for constitutional purposes and is exempt from certain local-funding requirements under Amendment 621.
Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and governor 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