SB210 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy PriceSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Crimes and offenses, assault (2nd degree), the term firefighter includes volunteer firefighters, Sec. 13A-6-21 am'd.

Summary

This bill clarifies that volunteer firefighters are protected under the second-degree assault law when someone stops them from performing their duties.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 13A-6-21 to explicitly include volunteer firefighters in the definition of 'firefighter' for the second-degree assault statute. If someone intentionally prevents a firefighter (volunteer or paid) from performing a lawful duty and injures someone, that person commits second-degree assault (a Class C felony). This expands protections to volunteers and keeps existing protections for paid firefighters. The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Volunteer firefighters – gain explicit protection under the second-degree assault law when someone interferes with their duties.
• Offenders/criminals – could be charged with second-degree assault for interfering with a firefighter's duties and injuring someone, with coverage extending to both volunteer and paid firefighters.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-6-21(a)(4) to include 'firefighter, whether volunteer or paid' as a protected class when preventing a lawful duty and causing injury.
• Explicitly states that 'firefighter' includes volunteers within the assault in the second degree framework.
• Maintains the designation of second-degree assault as a Class C felony for these offenses.
• Sets the effective date as the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses