SB151 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Terrorist threats, crime further defined, specify that schools and churches are protected, Sec. 13A-10-15 am'd.

Summary

SB 151 expands the terrorist threat crime to cover threats against churches, religious property, and public or private schools, and designates the offense as a Class C felony.

What This Bill Does

It broadens the category of protected targets to include churches, other religious real property, and schools. It defines what counts as a threat—intentional/knowing statements communicated to another person that are unequivocal, immediate, and cause fear of danger. It also specifies the types of weapons or damage that can be involved, including weapons of mass destruction. The bill creates a new crime definition and sets it as a Class C felony, while noting an exemption from local-funds expenditure requirements under Amendment 621; it becomes effective on the date specified after passage.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who threaten to commit violence or damage against churches, religious property, or schools (subject to the expanded terrorist threat law).
• Religious organizations and educational institutions, as their properties are explicitly protected targets under the statute.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-10-15 to define making a terrorist threat as threatening to commit a violent crime or damage property using weapons or mass destruction against persons or property in Alabama.
• Explicitly protects churches, religious real property, and public/private schools as target properties.
• Defines 'threaten' with elements: intentional/knowingly making a statement to another, the statement being communicated, the statement conveying a gravity of purpose and immediacy, and causing reasonable fear in the threatened person.
• Defines weapons of mass destruction to include destructive devices, toxic/poisonous chemicals, biological agents, and dangerous radiation.
• The crime of making a terrorist threat is designated as a Class C felony.
• The bill is exempt from Amendment 621 local-funds requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following its passage and governor's signature.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Terrorist Threats