HB272 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Self Defense, use of deadly force, prohibition of using stand your ground as defense if the person pursued person it was used against, Trayvon Martin exception, Sec.13A-3-23 am'd.

Summary

HB 272 narrows when self-defense can be used after someone is chased in public, adds a Trayvon Martin exception, and creates immunity for bystanders who defend themselves during confrontations.

What This Bill Does

It states that a person is not justified in using physical force if he or she initially pursued another person engaged in a lawful activity in a public place and that pursuit led to a confrontation. It also provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability for those who are justified in using force, with a pretrial hearing to determine immunity. It extends immunity to innocent bystanders who act to protect themselves during confrontations between others, and clarifies enforcement procedures for law enforcement. It notes the local-funds expenditure rule is not triggered for this bill and sets an effective date a few months after passage.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who initiate a pursuit of another person in public, because their use of force may not be justified if the pursuit ends in confrontation.
• Innocent bystanders who defend themselves during confrontations between others, because they gain immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability.

Key Provisions

• Trayvon Martin exception: the bill creates a named exception and indicates that initial pursuit leading to confrontation may negate justification for deadly force.
• Immunity provisions: those justified in using force are immune from criminal prosecution and civil liability, subject to pretrial hearings; bystander immunity is included; law-enforcement investigation guidelines are specified.

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