HB212 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Self Defense, person who actively pursues an aggressor after the initial confrontation is not justified in using physical force in self defense or in defense of another, Trayvon Martin Act, Sec.13A-3-23 am'd.

Summary

HB212 tightens self-defense rules by barring force after pursuing someone in public and granting immunity to bystander protectors in confrontations.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 13A-3-23 to say a person is not justified in using physical force if they initially pursued someone in a public place and that pursuit led to a confrontation and the use of force. It also provides immunity to innocent bystanders who use force to protect themselves during a confrontation between other people. The bill notes local-funding considerations but states it is exempt from those requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who initiate a pursuit of another person in a public place, as their use of force in self-defense could be disallowed if the pursuit leads to a confrontation.
• Innocent bystanders who use force to protect themselves during a confrontation between other people, who would be immune from criminal charges and civil lawsuits unless their actions are unlawful.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to 13A-3-23 clarifying that initial pursuit of a person in a public place leading to a confrontation and use of force makes the pursuer not justified in using physical force.
• Creation of immunity for innocent bystanders who reasonably use force to protect themselves during a confrontation between others, with immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action unless the force is unlawful.
• Inclusion of a constitutional funding note indicating the bill's relation to local-expenditure rules (Amendment 621) and its exemption due to defining a new crime or amending an existing crime.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved.

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