HB326 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Margie WilcoxRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Labor relations, to prevent unlawful intimidation of employers and employees, to prohibit unlawful picketing and demonstrations

Summary

HB326 would outlaw employer intimidation in labor negotiations and ban mass protests that block access to businesses or homes, with criminal penalties for violators.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits actions intended to intimidate employers or employees exercising rights in labor negotiations and defines 'something of value' as including neutrality or recognition agreements. It also bans mass picketing or demonstrations that obstruct access to businesses or private residences, with penalties for violators. The bill allows property owners to seek court injunctions to stop unlawful demonstrations and preserves protections under federal labor laws and the First Amendment. It becomes effective July 1, 2015 and includes a note about local-funding rules under a constitutional amendment, indicating the bill creates new crimes and thus is exempt from some voting requirements.

Who It Affects

• Employers and their employees would be protected from unlawful intimidation during labor negotiations and could pursue legal remedies if violated.
• Unions, organizers, protesters, property owners, and nearby residents would face tighter rules on mass picketing and demonstrations, with potential criminal penalties and civil relief options for affected parties.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits intimidation, coercion, or damage aimed at preventing lawful exercise of rights in labor negotiations; defines 'something of value' to include neutrality or recognition agreements.
• Creates criminal penalties: violations of intimidation provisions can be felony extortion; intimidation causing assault can be felony; certain property-damage actions can be misdemeanor vandalism.
• Bans mass picketing or mass demonstrations that obstruct access to businesses or private residences, with specific definitions and penalties (misdemeanor up to $500 fine and up to 6 months in jail).
• Allows property owners to seek injunctive relief to stop unlawful mass picketing or demonstrations; preserves existing federal labor-law protections and First Amendment rights.
• Effective date is July 1, 2015; the bill notes it is exempt from certain local-funding vote requirements because it creates a new crime.

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

Subjects

Labor Relations