HB297 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

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

HB297 says you cannot justify using force if you initially chased someone in a public place and that chase leads to a confrontation, and it also grants immunity to bystanders who protect themselves during confrontations between others.

What This Bill Does

It amends the self-defense law to say a person is not justified in using physical force if they initially pursued another person engaged in a lawful activity in a public place and the pursuit results in a confrontation. It provides immunity to innocent bystanders who use force to protect themselves during a confrontation between other people. It adds a Trayvon Martin exception to the self-defense rules and notes local funding implications under Amendment 621, but states the bill is exempt from local funding 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

• People who might use force in self-defense after initiating a chase in a public place (their use of force could be deemed not justified).
• Innocent bystanders who defend themselves during confrontations between others (they gain immunity from criminal and civil liability).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-3-23 to remove justification for force when a person initially pursues another in a public place and the pursuit leads to a confrontation.
• Provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action for innocent bystanders who reasonably protect themselves during such confrontations.
• Incorporates the Trayvon Martin exception into the self-defense framework.
• Addresses the local funds expenditure rule under Amendment 621, stating the bill is exempt because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Sets the act to take effect 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