HB94 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Crimes and Offenses; Preventing a person from making a public speech buy unlawful means because of the content of the speech.

Summary

HB 94 would make it illegal to block or disrupt a public speech on public property because of its content, and it would treat violators as Class B felons.

What This Bill Does

The bill prohibits a person from preventing or attempting to prevent another person from giving a public speech on public property due to the speech's content. It defines public speech as a speech at a public outdoor or indoor assembly that is permitted and has at least 50 attendees. Violations would be classified as Class B felonies. The bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval.

Who It Affects

• Speakers and audiences at public speeches on public property, who would be protected from interference based on content.
• People who attempt to block or disrupt a public speech on public property, who would face a Class B felony charges.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits a person from preventing or attempting to prevent another person from making a public speech on public property because of the content of the speech.
• Defines 'public speech' as a speech at a public outdoor or indoor assembly that is permitted by the jurisdiction and has at least 50 attendees.
• Establishes that a violation is a Class B felony.
• States the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval, and it is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new 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