HB439 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dexter Grimsley

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Controlled substance offense, person seeking medical help for another immune from prosecution, Sec. 20-2-281 am'd.

Summary

HB439 would extend immunity from certain drug offenses to people who seek medical help for someone else, including for unlawful possession of controlled substances, and it would apply to people of any age if specific conditions are met.

What This Bill Does

If a person seeks medical help for another person and meets the listed conditions, they would not be prosecuted for a misdemeanor controlled-substance offense or for unlawful possession of a controlled substance. The immunity would apply regardless of the helper's age. The bill amends Section 20-2-281 to specify these protections and the exact conditions that must be followed to qualify.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who are seeking medical help for another person (including those who may be involved with controlled substances) would gain immunity from certain drug offenses if they act in good faith, believed they were first to call for help, used their own name when contacting authorities, and stayed with the person until help arrived.
• Any person, regardless of age, who might otherwise be charged with unlawful possession of controlled substances or a misdemeanor controlled-substance offense when law enforcement learns of the offense solely because they were seeking medical help for another person would be protected from prosecution if they meet the specified conditions.

Key Provisions

• Extends immunity to the crime of unlawful possession of controlled substances when the person is seeking medical help for another individual, if conditions are met.
• Immunity applies regardless of the helper's age.
• Qualifying conditions include: acting in good faith, believing they were the first to call for assistance, using their own name when contacting authorities, and staying with the person needing help until help arrives.
• The changes modify Section 20-2-281 to codify these protections and criteria.

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

Subjects

Controlled Substances