HB563 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: April WeaverSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Chilton Co., churches, deadly physical force, use in self-defense or defense of others, const. amend.
Summary: HB 563 would add a Chilton County local constitutional amendment allowing deadly force in self-defense or defense of others on church premises under specific conditions, with legal immunity if justified.
What This Bill Does
It creates a Chilton County-only amendment that allows a person to use deadly physical force in self-defense or to defend another on church property when someone on the premises is committing or about to commit certain serious crimes. The person would have no duty to retreat and could be immune from criminal prosecution and civil liability if the force is justified. A pretrial hearing would determine immunity by a preponderance of the evidence, and if immunity is found, charges are dismissed; if not, the trial proceeds with the state proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Law enforcement may investigate under standard procedures but may not arrest unless there is probable cause the force used was unlawful.

Who It Affects
Church employees, volunteers, members, and other people authorized to be on church premises in Chilton County, who could be immune from criminal prosecution and civil liability if deadly force is justified.
Individuals who might use deadly force in self-defense on church premises in Chilton County and the local law enforcement, courts, and prosecutors who would determine whether immunity applies and handle related investigations.

Key Provisions
Applies only in Chilton County and defines key terms: church, deadly physical force, force, and premises.
Allows deadly physical force in self-defense or defense of another when a person reasonably believes someone on the church premises is using or about to use force during the commission or attempted commission of certain crimes (death, serious injury, first-degree robbery, or first-degree kidnapping).
No duty to retreat; the person has the right to stand their ground if justified and not engaged in unlawful activity.
Immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action if the force is justified; immunity can be overcome if the force is unlawful, with a pretrial hearing requiring the defendant to prove immunity by a preponderance of the evidence and dismissal of charges if immunity is proven.
Law enforcement may investigate under standard procedures but cannot arrest unless there is probable cause that the force used was unlawful.

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