HB256 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim Barton

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Steve ClouseKen JohnsonWes LongDavid SessionsVictor GastonEd Henry

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Civil immunity for crime victim injuring perpetrator during commission of crime

Summary

The bill would provide civil immunity to crime victims who injure a perpetrator during a crime, with exceptions for unreasonable actions or willful misconduct.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill shields a crime victim from civil lawsuits for damages caused while injuring a perpetrator during the crime or during the crime's attempted commission or flight, as long as the force used is justified. It also states that immunity applies unless the victim's act or omission was unreasonable under the circumstances and resulted from willful or wanton misconduct. The bill would take effect on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Crime victims who injure a perpetrator during the commission or attempted commission of a crime would gain civil immunity from lawsuits seeking damages, provided their actions were justified.
• Potential civil plaintiffs seeking damages in these situations would have reduced ability to sue crime victims, as immunity applies except in cases of unreasonable conduct or willful misconduct.

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): No civil liability for damages if they occurred during the commission, attempted commission, or flight following a crime, and the use of force by the defender is justified.
• Section 1(b): A crime victim who injures an alleged perpetrator during the crime is not liable for civil damages unless the act or omission was unreasonable under the circumstances and the result was willful or wanton misconduct.
• Section 2: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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