HB487 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Assault in the third degree, if assault is committed by a person 21 years of age or older against a person who is less than 18 years of age on school property, school bus, or at a school-sponsored function, penalties increased, Sec. 13A-6-22 am'd.

Summary

HB487 would raise the penalty for assault in the third degree to a Class C felony when an adult 21+ assaults a minor under 18 on school property, including on a bus or at a school-sponsored function.

What This Bill Does

Currently, assault in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor. The bill makes it a Class C felony in the school-context when the attacker is 21 or older and the victim is under 18. This increases the seriousness of the crime in these settings. The bill notes a potential local-funds impact but is exempt from local-approval requirements because it creates or amends a crime, and it would take effect on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• Minors under 18 on school property (including on school buses or at school-sponsored functions) as potential victims; the penalties for attackers would be harsher under the bill.
• Adults 21 years of age or older who assault a minor on school property; they would face Class C felony charges instead of Class A misdemeanor charges.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-6-22 to make assault in the third degree a Class C felony if the assault is committed by a person 21 years of age or older against a person who is less than 18 years of age on school property, including on a school bus or at a school-sponsored function.
• Addresses the expenditure implications under Amendment 621 of the Alabama Constitution but clarifies the bill is exempt from local-funds requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

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