HB432 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

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

HB432 adds a Trayvon Martin exception to self-defense law and provides immunity for bystanders who defend themselves during confrontations between others.

What This Bill Does

It says a person is not justified in using physical force if they initially pursued another person in a public place and that pursuit leads to a confrontation and use of force. It also grants immunity to innocent bystanders who use force to protect themselves in such confrontations, shielding them from criminal charges and civil lawsuits unless their force was unlawful. The bill also addresses local-government spending rules by noting it creates or amends a crime, which affects how the constitutional expenditure requirements apply. It becomes law on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• People who chase or pursue someone in a public place: their use of force may no longer be justified if the pursuit leads to a confrontation.
• Innocent bystanders who defend themselves during a confrontation between others: they would be immune from criminal prosecution and civil liability.

Key Provisions

• Amends §13A-3-23 to state that a person is not justified in using physical force if they initially pursued another person in a public place and that pursuit resulted in a confrontation and the use of force (the Trayvon Martin exception).
• Provides immunity to innocent bystanders who use force to protect themselves during such confrontations, from criminal prosecution and civil action unless the force was unlawful.
• Amends Amendment 621 (Section 111.05) to address local-government expenditure rules, noting the bill is exempt from certain requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Effective date: the act becomes law 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