HB235 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

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

HB235 narrows when self-defense can be used by adding a 'Trayvon Martin exception' that prevents force after pursuing someone in public, while granting immunity to bystanders who defend themselves in others’ confrontations.

What This Bill Does

It adds a rule that a person is not justified in using physical force if they initially pursued someone engaged in a lawful activity in a public place and that pursuit leads to a confrontation and the use of force. It also provides immunity from criminal and civil liability to innocent bystanders who use force to protect themselves during a confrontation between other people. The bill preserves existing self-defense and stand-your-ground rules for those not engaged in unlawful activity and clarifies enforcement procedures, while noting a local-funding impact that is exempt due to the bill defining a new or amended crime.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who pursue someone in public and later rely on self-defense when a confrontation arises (they would not be justified in using force in that scenario).
• Innocent bystanders who defend themselves during confrontations between other people (they would have immunity from criminal and civil liability).
• Law enforcement agencies (they may investigate under standard procedures but may arrest only if there is probable cause that the force used was unlawful).

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-3-23 to state that a person is not justified in using physical force if they initially pursued another person engaged in a lawful activity in a public place and that pursuit resulted in a confrontation and the use of force (Trayvon Martin exception).
• Provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action for those who use force as justified under this section, with pretrial hearings to determine immunity and potential dismissal if immunity is proven.
• Grants immunity to innocent bystanders who reasonably believe force is necessary to protect themselves during a confrontation between others.
• Maintains existing self-defense provisions and stand-your-ground rights (no duty to retreat where allowed) and outlines limits (e.g., provocation, initial aggression, or unlawful activity).
• Allows law enforcement to follow standard investigative procedures but restricts arrests to cases with probable cause of unlawful force.
• Notes that the bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime or amends an existing 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

Crimes and Offenses