HB18 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Crimes and offenses, tampering with a consumer product, criminal penalties provided

Summary

HB18 creates a new crime of tampering with a consumer product and sets penalties based on the harm caused.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it would make tampering with any consumer product offered for sale, including food and drugs, or with its labeling or container, illegal. Penalties depend on the outcome: tampering without injury would be a Class C felony; tampering that causes serious injury or death would be a Class A felony; tampering aimed at harming a business by mislabeling or tampering would be a Class B felony. The bill defines key terms like consumer product, labeling, and serious bodily injury, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is signed. It also notes that the bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who tamper with consumer products (including their labeling or containers) would face criminal charges and penalties.
• Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of consumer products (including food and drugs) who must ensure accurate labeling and protect products to avoid tampering-related penalties.

Key Provisions

• Creates the crime of tampering with a consumer product, including tampering with labeling or containers of products sold to the public (including food and drugs).
• Penalties: tampering without injury is a Class C felony; tampering that causes serious physical injury or death is a Class A felony; tampering to injure a business by tampering or mislabeling is a Class B felony.
• Defines terms used in the law: consumer product, labeling, bodily injury, and serious bodily injury.
• States the bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

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

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses