HB488 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

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

HB488 adds a Trayvon Martin exception to Alabama self-defense law and grants immunity to bystanders who defend themselves during confrontations between others.

What This Bill Does

It provides that 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 the use of force. It gives immunity from criminal and civil liability to innocent bystanders who use force to protect themselves during a confrontation between other people, as long as the force used is lawful. The bill preserves existing self-defense rules for when deadly force may be used and the general stand-your-ground framework, with specific new limits on pursuing someone in public. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval, and includes a local-funding provision noting exemptions under Amendment 621 because it defines or changes a crime.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who initiate a pursuit of someone in a public place and then use force after that pursuit would not be justified in using force in self-defense.
• Innocent bystanders who defend themselves during a confrontation between others would receive immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability if their actions are lawful.
• Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors would follow standard procedures to investigate force, and arrests would occur only if there is probable cause that the force used was unlawful.

Key Provisions

• Section 13A-3-23 is amended to include the Trayvon Martin exception: a person is not justified in using force if they initially pursued another person engaged in a lawful public activity and that pursuit leads to a confrontation and the use of force.
• A person who uses force under the justified conditions remains immune from criminal prosecution and civil action unless the force is unlawful; this also extends to an innocent bystander who uses force in a similar context.
• The bill notes local-funding considerations under Amendment 621, but exempts it from certain requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one; it also sets an effective date for when the act becomes law.
• The act becomes effective 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