HB376 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes Long

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Richard BaughnMack N. ButlerEd HenryKerry RichAlan BootheRichard J. LairdDuwayne BridgesJim BartonSteve ClouseWilliam Roberts

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Use of force in defense of a person, authorized by an owner, employee, or other person authorized to be on business premises if another person is attempting or committing robbery or burglary on the premises, Sec, 13A-3-23 am'd.

Summary

HB376 would extend Alabama's self-defense rule to allow deadly force on closed business premises to defend against burglary or robbery by owners, employees, or others allowed on site.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 13A-3-23 to let a business owner, employee, or other person authorized on the premises after hours use deadly physical force in self-defense or to defend others against burglary or robbery. It keeps the general requirement that force must be reasonable and necessary and adds a legal presumption of justification in these scenarios, with certain limitations. It provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability for justified use of force, and allows standard law enforcement procedures to proceed with investigation when applicable.

Who It Affects

• Owners, employees, or other persons authorized to be on business premises after the business has closed to the public; they may use deadly force in self-defense or defense of others if burglary or robbery is occurring or attempted, and are immune from criminal/prospective civil liability if the force is justified.
• Criminals attempting or committing burglary, theft, or robbery on closed business premises; their actions determine when the described deadly force could be used against them.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes deadly physical force on business premises after hours by owners, employees, or others authorized to be on the premises to defend against burglary or robbery.
• Establishes justification criteria for deadly force, including reasonable belief of imminent unlawful force and specific circumstances related to burglary/robbery and other listed offenses.
• Affirms a stand-your-ground principle (no duty to retreat) in places where the defender has the right to be present, with certain exceptions.
• Provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability for justified use of force, subject to whether the force was lawful.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Business and Commerce