HB405 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Connie C. Rowe

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Resisting arrest, to amend punishment to Class A misdemeanor, to provide that resisting arrest with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is a Class C felony, Sec. 13A-10-41 am'd.

Summary

HB405 would raise resisting arrest penalties (Class A misdemeanor, or Class C felony if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used) and includes local-funds provisions with an explicit effective-date provision.

What This Bill Does

It changes resisting arrest from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor, and makes resisting arrest with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument a Class C felony. It references Amendment 621 about local-funds expenditures but states the bill is exempt from those requirements because it defines or amends a crime. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it, and it does not require local government approval or a 2/3 vote to take effect due to specified exceptions.

Who It Affects

• People accused of resisting arrest, who would face higher penalties (Class A misdemeanor or Class C felony if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used).
• Peace officers enforcing arrests, who would enforce the updated penalties and classifications during arrests.

Key Provisions

• Resisting arrest is amended to a Class A misdemeanor (instead of Class B).
• Resisting arrest with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is amended to a Class C felony.
• The bill notes Amendment 621 and states it is exempt from local-funds expenditure requirements because it defines or amends a crime.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resisting Arrest