HB71 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Poole

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Warrantless arrests, authorized for a person trespassing on property of an educational institution, Secs. 13A-7-1 am'd.

Summary

HB71 lets police arrest someone without a warrant if they trespass on the property of an educational institution, and updates building and posting definitions.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes a law enforcement officer to make a warrantless arrest when there is reasonable cause to believe a person trespassed on the premises of an educational institution. It revises the definition of 'building' to include structures used by educational institutions and specifies that each separately occupied unit can be treated as a separate building. It expands the definition of 'educational institution' to cover a wide range of public and private schools and training facilities. It introduces posting requirements (signs or purple paint marks) to clearly indicate trespass and provide notice.

Who It Affects

• People who trespass on the premises of educational institutions; they could be arrested without a warrant if there is reasonable cause to believe trespass occurred.
• Law enforcement officers; they gain explicit authority to arrest without a warrant for trespass on educational institution premises under the defined conditions.
• Educational institutions and their property; they are covered under the updated building and premises definitions and can enforce trespass rules with posted notices.

Key Provisions

• Amends building definitions to include structures used by educational institutions and related property (including vehicles and equipment used for lodging or business).
• Defines 'Educational Institution' broadly to include public/private colleges, universities, K-12 schools, and other training facilities, including special education settings.
• Allows officers to arrest without a warrant for trespass on the premises of an educational institution when there is reasonable cause to believe a trespass has occurred.
• Adds 'Posting in a conspicuous manner' requirements for trespass notices, including signs or purple paint marks with specific dimensions and placement rules.
• Effective date: becomes law immediately after 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

Education